ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 11, 2023
Nora's Note
Collaborating for clean, resilient waterfront communities. ASC attended the Waterfront Conference in New York City this week, organized by the Waterfront Alliance and sponsored this year by ASC client Equinor Renewables US. The event collected energy providers, government, planners, public engagement experts, and academics to discuss pressing challenges in coastal resiliency. The second year of the Heather M. Morgan Climate Risk Adaptation Lecture endowed in part by ASC, continued to showcase remarkable women in coastal work. Resiliency efforts and renewable energy developments are picking up speed from Maryland to Maine, and with them, a need to recenter environmental justice communities in planning initiatives. As sea level rise takes effect and the energy transition gains speed, more inter-industry efforts will be needed to protect our waterfronts and communities—with environmental justice at the forefront. ASC is proud to take part in these critical conversations and to highlight the vital role public engagement plays in securing a path to a more sustainable and equitable future for our communities.
Transportation
Flying taxis are coming. As passenger-carrying advanced air mobility aircraft quickly advance, cities will need to update infrastructure and regulations. A single aircraft is predicted to have the potential to carry out approximately 20k daily flights, in comparison to an average of 2,900 daily flights from one of the largest U.S. airlines in 2021. To get to this point of frequent flying, high-density cities such as New York and Chicago would require roughly 85-100 takeoff and landing pads. Read more about the future of aviation technology. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Chicago Sun Times: Amtrak now offering faster trains between Chicago, St. Louis
Smart Cities Dive: Mobility could be transformed by 2035, with US car sales dropping 30%: report
Mass Transit Mag: FRA issues $5 million NOFO to fund a rail research and development Center of Excellence
Transport Topics: House Lawmakers Unveil CDL Streamline Bill
Energy/Environment
New York takes big step toward renewable energy in ‘historic’ climate win. The recently passed Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA) will increase New York’s renewable energy production and pave the way for utilities to transition from private to public ownership. The state’s public power provider, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), will be required to produce entirely renewable energy by 2030. Municipally owned properties will be required to convert to renewable energy by 2035. Read more on this development and the steps being taken to meet New York state’s renewable energy goals. (Source: The Guardian)
Canary Media: California adopts first-ever rules to decarbonize freight trains
Indy Star: IU program to assist rural communities obtain federal grants for climate resiliency
News Center Maine: Maine climate change protections for ocean and beaches rank top in US, study finds
NJ Spotlight: Climate change: Rutgers helps teachers to include it in curriculum
Economic Development
Affordable, all-electric and energy-efficient housing gets $15M boost from NYC initiative. Through the new Future Housing Initiative, New York State and New York City are making progress toward CLCPA and Local Law 97 goals while addressing the need for more affordable housing. With $15M in funding, the initiative will support the design and construction of 3,000 new energy-efficient affordable housing units that meet “passive house” standards, reducing energy required for heating and cooling by up to 90%. Read more to learn how the initiative will work with building developers and owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
The Providence Journal: Pay what you can afford? Proposal could help low income RIers with electricity bills
Axios: Nonprofit grocery stores rehab America’s food deserts
Gothamist: NYC seeks to cap fees for yet-to-be announced outdoor dining program
Al.com: Over $4 million in grant money headed to weatherize Alabama homes
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