ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of May 16, 2022
Nora's Note
Can a highway be racist? As ASC celebrates National Transportation Week, we're thrilled to see that over 80% of Americans support increased investment in public transportation and that more U.S. cities are working to improve infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and micromobility users. However, research shows that we still have work to do, as marginalized communities bear the brunt of inefficient, outdated infrastructure. President Biden’s $600B infrastructure plan includes allocations to address inequities in past infrastructure decisions. While a good transportation system can’t guarantee affluence, a bad one—that leaves communities behind, remains in disrepair, and contributes pollution—nearly guarantees and preserves poverty. This week is an important reminder that improving transportation infrastructure can—and should—improve the quality of life for everyone.
Transportation
Do you have a plan for Bike to Work Day? Millions of commuters across the United States will be biking to work on Friday, May 20th in celebration of this year’s Bike to Work Day—an annual event encouraging commuters to replace their morning drive to work with a bike ride. In the Washington, D.C. area, registration surpassed 10,000 for the first time since the pandemic. Bike to Work Day aims to promote sustainable commuting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease regional traffic congestion. Read more for details on this year’s Bike to Work Day event. (Source: Greater Greater Washington)
Better Bike Share: NYC Wants to Get Adaptive Mobility Right
Technical.ly: On the road to transportation tech success, this is where Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania succeed — and struggle
Bloomberg: The E-Bike Effect Is Transforming New York City
The Philidelphia Inquirer: Camden County plans to spend $100 million to overhaul its park system and add a 34-mile trail
Mass Transit: MTA inspector general urges action on transit fire safety
Utility Dive: States band together to push for nationwide fleet electrification
NPR: How the U.S. wants to make charging electric cars (almost) as painless as pumping gas
Fleet Owner: More fleets are adding clean vehicles
Energy/Environment
Study Shows 'Fifty-fifty chance' of breaching 1.5C warming limit. A recent report from the Met Office, the UK’s national metrological service, indicates that there is a 50% chance that global temperatures will rise by more than 1.5° Celsius over the next five years. Researchers suggest the world will see a record warmest year between 2022-2026, which could contribute to extreme weather events such as heat waves and wildfires. Read more to learn how governments across the globe are responding to rising temperatures. (Source: BBC)
Reuters: U.S. Energy Department to commit $2.25 bln to carbon storage program
CNBC: The Salton Sea could produce the world’s greenest lithium, if new extraction technologies work
Energy Storage News: What role is large-scale battery storage playing on the grid today?
E&E News: DOE updates water heater rule for first time in two decades
Grist: Environmental justice law in New York could prevent new pollution in hard-hit neighborhoods
Reuters: California revisits proposal on reforming rooftop solar policy
Energy News Network: Mid-Atlantic solar advocates watch with concern as shared solar efforts hit snags
Bloomberg Law: EPA, Advocates Tussle Over Scope of Ozone ‘Backsliding’ Action
Economic Development
Just 8% of Manhattan office workers are back full time. According to a survey by the Partnership for New York, only 8% of Manhattan office workers are back in the office five days a week, while 28% are still fully remote. The survey also showed that 78% of workplaces have adopted a hybrid work model—a trend which is expected to continue even as pandemic restrictions subside. Read more to learn what impacts changing work environments may have on New York City’s economy. (Source: NY Times)
Route Fifty: States are Taking Action to Rein in Prescription Drug Prices
Pew Stateline: Unemployment Rate for Women Declines to Pre-Pandemic Level
Smart Cities Dive: Governments clear a path for tiny homes to address housing crisis in cities
MIT News: Springing people from the poverty trap
Niagra Frontier Publications: New York Sea Grant & DEC announce $400,000 available in grants for Great Lakes basin projects
The City: Fossil-Fuel Industry Workers Say Green Economy Could Leave Them in Dust
CNBC: April’s consumer price index report expected to show inflation has already peaked
Gothamist: Public school arts funding needs a big boost from the mayor, advocates and lawmakers say
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