ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 2nd, 2024
Nora’s Note
Advancing transit for the digital age. How we get from point A to point B is constantly evolving, and as commuters across the country continue to return to the office, how they get there is getting a renewed focus from transit systems, state DOTs, and employers. ASC is excited to be leading marketing communications in a game-changing transportation demand management (TDM) project by Metropia for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that can change the way Northern Virginians get to work, setting the stage for cleaner air, clearer roads, and long-term commuter behavior change. Through an integrated and interactive transit planning app, data-driven choices will be delivered to users, offering up mode alternatives in response to real-time traffic and transit system challenges—with rewards for ditching the car for a better option. The app is currently in use in the Houston Metropolitan Area and Taiwan, where small steps are adding up to benefits in increased sustainability and safety that are good for commuters and the environment.
Transportation
US finally breaks ground on its first-ever high-speed rail. The rail line, which will travel along a 218-mile route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is expected to reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and cut 800 million pounds of carbon per year. The $12B project, which is supported by $3B from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, has an opening planned for 2028, in time for the Summer Olympics in L.A. Read more on the benefits of this high-speed rail. (Source: Popular Science)
The Cool Down: State-of-the-art testing center pushes forward with new high-speed mode of transportation: 'A significant milestone'
Gothamist: Staten Island councilmember calls on MTA to install more OMNY machines
The Guardian: Electric and hybrid car sales to rise to new global record in 2024
Climate
Biden’s ‘Solar for All’ awards $7B to bring affordable energy to low-income families. President Biden's Solar for All initiative, funded by a $7 billion grant, aims to install solar energy systems in low-income communities, assisting about 900,000 households. The project, part of the Justice40 Initiative, is expected to save families an average of $400 annually in energy costs, while also bolstering battery storage systems and new low-income solar programs. Read more about the benefits of this initiative and the ongoing green energy shift. (Source: Grist)
Government Executive: Biden announces first tranche of Climate Corps jobs with hopes of segueing thousands into federal service
Canary Media: How the Biden admin is trying to boost renewables on public land
Los Angeles Times: California wants to harness more than half its land to combat climate change by 2045. Here’s how
Economic Development
More salaried U.S. workers to become eligible for overtime pay. On April 23, The Biden Administration proposed a landmark rule that will allow four million salaried workers in the US eligibility for overtime pay. Advanced through the Department of Labor, the rule will expand the annual salary threshold for overtime pay by 65%. Starting on July 1, employees earning an annual salary of $43,888 will be eligible for overtime pay, as opposed to a lower threshold of $35,569 in 2019. Read more about the changes from the ruling. (Source: Axios)
E&E News: Biden releases $2B in IRA tax credits to boost coal communities
The City: How ‘Good Cause’ Could Give Some Tenants New Leases and Lower Rent
Utility Dive: Corporate funding in energy storage rises 432% in Q1 driven by 2 deals: Mercom
Digital
New bill would create federal grant program for digital upskilling. Reps. Abigail Spanberger, David Valadao, and Sen. Tim Kaine have introduced the Digital Skills for Today’s Workforce Act, which aims to bridge the digital skills gap through federal grants for adult education and workforce development. The program would target individuals aged 16-64 with low digital literacy, barriers to employment, or historical underrepresentation. Read more about how the program emphasizes transferable digital skills to align with evolving technological needs and promote job opportunities. (Source: Government Executive)
Engadget: The world's leading AI companies pledge to protect the safety of children online
Government Executive: IRS commissioner indicates AI will play growing role in future tax collection
GovTech: Congressional Framework Would Address Extreme AI Risks
About Arch Street Communications
At ASC, we help government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations across the globe communicate issues that affect people’s lives. We’re the bold, nimble, women-owned small business (WBE) that has supported strategic communications programs to build stronger communities for 30 years.
Ready to find the “simple truth” solutions to build a better future? We want to hear from you! Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.
Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections
