ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 9, 2023
Nora's Note
Investing in our clean energy future. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and elected officials joined Equinor Renewables in Astoria, Queens last week to announce two groundbreaking initiatives in renewable energy production and education in the area. Previously referred to as "Asthma Alley", the former gas turbine site purchased by Equinor will be transformed into the Astoria Gateway for Renewable Energy (AGRE), a converter station connecting renewable energy from the Beacon Wind project to the New York grid. In partnership with the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, Equinor will also invest over $1.7M over the next ten years in a community-based Science and Technology program for underserved youth. As the energy transition gains speed, ASC looks forward to more impactful collaborations bringing energy production, environmental justice and education together.
Transportation
$185M in Grants to Reconnect Communities Severed by Highways. The US Department of Transportation has announced the first recipients of the Connecting Communities Pilot Program, an initiative aimed at reconnecting communities segregated by transportation infrastructure. The largest grant of $55.6 million was awarded to the NYS Route 33 (Kensington Expressway) Project in Buffalo, NY. The project will place a cap over the expressway, creating parks and east-west connections. Read more about the five other projects receiving construction funding from the Connecting Communities Pilot Program. (Source: Route Fifty)
NYT: A sudden Rush to Make Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mainstream
CNBC: How an autonomous train-bus hybrid could transform city transit
North Jersey: Passaic County wants infrastructure plan to focus on more than just roads, mass transit
VOA News: Free Public Transportation Accelerates in Some US Cities
Energy/Environment
As Oil Companies Stay Lean, Workers Move to Renewable Energy. Many former employees of oil and gas companies are shifting careers into the renewable energy industry. Over 160,000 people were let go by the oil and gas industry in 2020. As economic recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic began, many solar, wind, geothermal, battery and other alternative-energy enterprises grew swiftly, hiring engineers and other employees previously employed by the fossil fuel industry. Read more on this shift in the energy workforce. (Source: New York Times)
AP: DOE grants $375M loan for lithium battery recycling plant
Smart Cities Dive: $250M for curbing climate pollution, advancing environmental justice available from US EPA
Grist: US solar and wind surged last year
AP: Judge sets Aug. 1 as deadline for Flint’s lead pipe project
Economic Development
Boston hires its first nightlife economy director. Focusing on the residential experience and building generational wealth, the new nightlife economy director plans to capitalize on local talent, modify late-night transportation regulations, and offer a variety of entertainment to cater toward a wider demographic. The director will serve as a liaison between the mayor and businesses, researching and advocating for new opportunities to boost and nurture the economy. Read more for details on the plans for a renewed Boston. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Route Fifty: How Cities and Counties Are Spending Their ARPA Funds
Union News Daily: NJ announces federal approval of action plan to distribute Ida recovery funds
Route Fifty: Demand Heats Up for Grants Management Solutions
The Daily Yonder: New College Corps Program in California Offers Students Debt-Free Pathways
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