ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 29th, 2024
Nora's Note
Turn on. Go far. Taking a spin around the New York Auto Show opening today at the Javits Center, aisles of concept cars, racing challenges - even the world's largest indoor EV test track - it's clear that electrifying how we get from here to there is ramping up in the Empire State. Governor Hochul celebrated the start of the show by announcing plans to install 100 new fast chargers in New York City, adding to the state's network of charging infrastructure. The next five days will be an electric party for kids, families, and enthusiasts - good thing, too, because transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Investments in infrastructure, outreach, and workforce development are taking off across the US, and New York is leading the charge, with a goal for all passenger cars and trucks sold in New York to be zero-emission by 2035.
Transportation
PATH contactless payment system launched at several train stops. PATH has introduced its new Total Access Path Payment (TAPP), a contactless payment system designed to make fare payments easier, faster, and more efficient for riders. TAPP intends to modernize the PATH experience, with plans to integrate all discount programs and introduce a dedicated TAPP card. The system is part of an effort to equip 50% of turnstiles with TAPP by the end of the year. Read more to see how fares will be streamlined. (Source: AMNY)
Mass Transit Mag: PRT to invest $150 million during next four years to bolster safety, reliability and longevity of light-rail infrastructure
Utility Dive: Electrifying US trucking could cost nearly $1 trillion: Study
Time Out: An abandoned LIRR line is set to become the High Line park of Queens
Climate
EPA issues landmark rules to curb auto emissions, bolster EVs. To avoid more than 7 billion tons of carbon emissions, the U.S. EPA announced its final national pollution standards for cars, SUVs, and light trucks. The standards set stricter emissions rules for vehicles in model years 2027-2032, encouraging manufacturers to produce more EVs to meet the rules. Transportation is currently the nation’s largest source of domestic greenhouse gas emissions, making the new standards an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more for details about the new standards. (Source: Axios)
Energy News Network: Months after devastating floods, Vermont renews efforts to aid climate-friendly rebuilds
Energy News Network: A Boston grocery store could become a proving ground for a new approach to equitable community solar
Oregon Capital Chronicle: Oregon State University scientists discover metal capable of removing carbon dioxide from air
Economic Development
US single-family housing starts, permits near two-year highs. In February, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached its highest level in nearly two years, driven by mild weather and a persistent housing shortage. Builders responded to high mortgage rates with incentives and smaller home designs, while building permits hit a 1.5-year high, indicating future growth. Despite rate hike pressures, the sector shows resilience, buoyed by anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Read more on how significant growth in home construction hints at a positive impact on economic growth. (Source: Reuters)
Axios: Biden cancels nearly $6B in student debt for public service workers
The Charlotte Observer: ‘Building community.’ Struggling Northlake Mall sees rise in local Black-owned businesses
Route Fifty: States turn to Medicaid to tackle housing insecurity
Digital
New York State boost procurement transparency via dashboard. A new “Contracts by the Numbers” website was launched by the State Comptroller’s Office, offering a digital dashboard with detailed information on state contracts. The initiative, which debuted during “Sunshine Week,” aims to promote transparency and provide stakeholders with on-the-go access to valuable insights in procurement trends. The dashboard follows a growing trend in online marketplaces for public agency procurement. Read more about this and other significant developments in online data access. (Source: Government Technology)
Route Fifty: States look to AI for its potential to help with finances
Engadget: Google used AI to accurately predict floods up to 7 days in advance
Star Tribune: AI could help track farm country's carbon emissions, University of Minnesota study says
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