ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of May 2, 2022
Nora's Note
It’s Time to Clear the Air. This Clean Air Month, ASC is focusing on raising awareness of the role air quality plays for the health and wellbeing of communities throughout the United States. While research has shown that air pollution can cut life expectancy by 2.2 years, over 40% of American communities are breathing unhealthy air—with low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately impacted by low air quality. The path forward is clear: it’s time to enact policies that reduce air emissions, support organizations like WE ACT and the American Lung Association who are working to clean air our nation’s air and make lifestyle changes that decrease day-to-day emissions. Let’s use this year’s Clean Air Month as a time to act together to move the needle on improving air quality.
Transportation
MTA to hold virtual town hall on Interborough Express in May. On May 19, the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed Interborough Express, which would connect underserved areas in Queens and Brooklyn. If enacted, the transit initiative would add rail, light rail, or bus service through 14 miles of underused freight tracks, connecting up to 17 subway stations along its path. Read more to learn about current plans to advance the project. (Source: amNY)
AP News: Most people in US want masks for travelers
Transportation Today: FRA announces Climate Challenge to reach net zero industry goal by 2050
The City: More Drivers with Bogus Plates Evading Traffic Cams, Costing NYC Up to $75M
Route Fifty: States Experiment With Orange Highway Striping in Work Zone
NY Times: Cities Want to Return to Pre-pandemic Life. One Obstacle: Transit Crime
Metro: Why Halogen Could be the Light at the End of the Tunnel for Public Rail Transit
Utility Dive: US transportation sector could cut carbon emissions 34% by 2030
Cities Today: Mapping the multimodal future of US mobility
Energy/Environment
How high the floods of sea level rise? Check the lamp posts. The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) has painted 11 light poles along the waterfront esplanade to represent the height of potential flooding from future severe weather events. BPCA hopes the poles will help residents and visitors of Battery Park City understand the urgent need to act against climate change. Read more for insights into how BPCA is planning for a resilient future. (Source: Tribeca Trib)
Grist: These 9 cities are leading the solar surge in the U.S.
The Verge: Twitter bans “misleading” ads about climate change
E&E News: Small-scale solar is saving New England’s climate goals
Smart Cities Dive: Climate investment gaps could prompt creative financing ideas from cities
Bloomberg: Wind Power’s ‘Colossal Market Failure’ Threatens Climate Fight
Energy Monitor: How carbon markets can help deliver CO2 removals for net zero
Energy News Network: Push to clean up air around ‘last-mile’ warehouses gets in gear
Energy Storage News: Can ‘Lithium Valley’ help solve US battery supply chain challenges?
Economic Development
Mayor Proposes 1,400 Shelter Beds to Move Homeless People Off Streets. Last week, Mayor Eric Adams proposed a $171 million investment in New York City’s homeless services, including funding for 1,400 shelter beds. The proposal comes on the heels of the City’s recent plans to remove homeless encampments, especially in subway stations, and reduce homelessness throughout the City. Read more to learn about additional services New York City has recently implemented to address homelessness. (Source: NY Times)
Route Fifty: With Billions at Stake, Competition Heats Up for New Earmarks
Pew Stateline: Private Lands Are the Next Battleground in State Conservation Policy
Governing: What Inflation Means for State and Local Budgets
Westfair Communications: NY allocates $10.7M for food bank distribution center
City Limits: To Renew or Rebuild? Albany Considers Alternatives to Mayoral Control of NYC Schools
GovTech: Will Partnerships Bring Digital Equity to Rural America?
The Real Deal: U.S. home prices surged another 20% in February
CityLab: Bet on Black Women for Smarter Cities
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