ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 24, 2023
Nora's Note
Protecting our waterways. The UN 2023 Water Conference is being held in New York this week, the first event of its kind in nearly 50 years. Protection of our waterways and natural environments is a key component in the fight against climate change and the path to a sustainable future for all. The Biden Administration recently laid out the nation’s first-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan, which highlights the key relationship between the health of our oceans and the state of our climate. Across the US, environmental justice advocates are calling attention to the need for clean water for all, offshore wind developers are working to create jobs and harness the power of our oceans for renewable energy along the coasts, and governments and businesses are coming together to create frameworks for a sustainable future. The time for action to protect our planet is now.
Transportation
MTA unveils new NYC subway cars on the A line. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced new "state-of-the-art" subway cars along the A line in New York City. The new R211 model has security cameras, flip-up seating for disabled riders, and 8-inch-wider door openings for faster boarding. The city will receive 535 R211 subway cars, including 15 Staten Island Railway cars and 20 "open gangway" cars, with a second set of new cars coming in 2025. Read more on the updated subway car model and its expected benefits. (Source: Gothamist)
Smart Cities Dive: $10 million US DOT grant to NYU supports smart transportation policy efforts
Mass Transit Mag: Capacity at Amtrak’s Washington Union Station concourse to double by 2026
Transport Topics: Budget Request Includes $951 Million for FMCSA
Route Fifty: Transit Projects Would Get More Than $4B Under Biden Budget Proposal
Energy/Environment
EPA proposes first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking to pass a resolution banning harmful PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”, from drinking water sources, particularly those that potentially act as carcinogens. If executed, the new standards could prevent thousands of PFAS-related illnesses and deaths. The EPA hopes to have the resolution reviewed by the public and passed by the end of the year. Read more about the 12,000 chemicals classified as PFAS, and what the EPA is doing to limit their exposure. (Source: Grist)
AP: EPA ‘neighbor’ rule cuts downwind pollution by power plants
E&E News: Interior Secretary reverses Trump-era Izembek road decision
Utility Dive: EPA, DOE issue framework for maintaining grid reliability during energy transition
Eco Watch: Floating Solar Panels Could Power Thousands of Cities Entirely, New Study Finds
Economic Development
States Push to Make School Meals Available to All. Following the federal program implemented during the pandemic, several states have passed laws that would make universal free school meals permanent. California and Maine have already implemented permanent programs, while Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Vermont are providing free meals for all students during the current school year. Legislatures in 21 states are currently planning, drafting, discussing, or negotiating universal free school meal programs. Read more on the states considering permanent free school meal programs. (Source: Route Fifty)
6sqft: NYC’s redesign of Broadway blocks into pedestrian-friendly stretch begins
Utility Dive: Community outreach and investment can help meet renewable industry’s worker demand, say labor experts
Route Fifty: Tackling Rural America’s ‘Hidden’ Housing Crisis
Axios: HUD invests billions in equitable disaster recovery
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