ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 8th, 2024
Nora's Note
Clean energy at work. The reports are in, and the growth of the global clean energy sector is seeing real results. Global clean energy employment numbers passed 36.2 million workers in 2023, widening the lead over fossil fuel energy jobs, and increased use of clean energy contributed to a lower rise in global emissions in 2023 than in 2022, despite a growth in total energy demand. Investment in the energy transition has been a multi-level effort in the US, with recent federal funding announced for expanded workforce development and increased manufacturing efficiency across renewable energy industries and EV production. New York City, which boasts more clean energy jobs than any other major US city, recently unveiled a new Green Economy Action Plan, aiming to employ 400,000 people in critical green occupations by 2040, up from 133,000 today. Green jobs plans are crucial tools for creating a lasting and equitable energy transition that serves us all.
Transportation
FTA awards $631M to 3 transit agencies for new rail cars. The Rail Vehicle Replacement program awarded a sum of $631 Million over the next three years to replace light and commuter rail cars and equipment ranging from 25 to 40 years old and lacking crucial digital tools and accessible amenities. The program covers up to 50% of the total project costs and will help make rail cars safer, more accessible, and more reliable for riders. Read more to learn about the Rail Vehicle Program. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Daily Record: To fix NJ Transit budget woes, Murphy proposes new corporate tax
Mass Transit Mag: NYC Transit pilot enhances visibility of no-standing zone
CNBC: Electric air transport is set to take off with taxis, ambulances, cargo deliveries by end of this decade
Climate
Low-income communities will soon get $7 billion for local solar. A new package of federal funding will release $7 billion across the U.S. to help low-income households receive the savings and resiliency associated with small-scale solar and solar-plus-storage systems. This new program, Solar for All, falls under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund within the historic Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. Read more on how this program is the biggest low and moderate-income solar investment in U.S. history and will assist more than 700,000 households. (Source: Canary Media)
Grist: How to recycle the giant magnets inside wind turbines? These scientists have a few ideas.
Inside Climate News: A Small Pennsylvania College Is Breaking New Ground in Pursuit of a Clean Energy Campus
PV Magazine: Tribal solar on the rise
Economic Development
Employment rate for Americans with disabilities reached record high in 2023. A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that a record number of people with disabilities were working in 2023, pointing to a strong and growing labor market. New trends, including the increased ability to work from home, have been essential in increasing the number of disabled workers who are able to find good jobs in today’s economy. Read more to learn about how these economic trends and accommodations affect workers. (Source: Axios)
Energy News Network: With federal funds flowing, weatherization industry prepares to fill the gaps
Brooklyn Paper: Mayor Eric Adams reveals new ‘green-collar’ jobs plan
Gothamist: New modular outdoor dining sheds coming to NYC streets
Digital
Los Angeles Becomes First U.S. City to Outlaw Digital Discrimination. Los Angeles City Council recently passed a groundbreaking motion to combat "digital discrimination," ensuring equitable internet access for all. The legislation empowers residents to report discrimination in internet services to the Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department. This move, supported by various studies, addresses disparities in broadband access, particularly affecting marginalized communities. Read more about how Los Angeles is pioneering efforts to address digital discrimination and promote digital equity. (Source: Governing)
Axios: Biden administration issues new cyber road map
Engadget: Biden signs executive order to stop Russia and China from buying Americans’ personal data
Government Technology: Federal Subsidy Vital to Internet Access, Users Say
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