ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of May 9, 2022
Nora's Note
Planning for Tomorrow. This week, the New York State Climate Action Council completes the last of 11 public hearings conducted across the State and online to collect public input on the draft scoping plan to guide implementation of the State’s nation-leading climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Seeing hundreds of New Yorkers in communities across the State share views on how NYS can lead an equitable transition to a carbon free economy was encouraging, challenging, and thrilling—a true demonstration of Democracy in action. For anyone who missed the hearings—they are all available to watch online. ASC is proud to have had the opportunity to support NYSERDA and NYS DEC in the planning and execution of these civic engagement hearings—we look forward to continuing to help move NYS towards a clean, equitable energy future.
Transportation
New MTA subway and bus chief Richard Davey pushes safety, reliability to bring back riders. Richard Davey was appointed President of MTA New York City Transit earlier this month, setting an agenda focused around improving the safety and reliability of the City’s subway and bus systems. Under Davey's leadership, the agency intends to increase ridership by cutting down wait times, improving cleanliness on trains and buses, and revisiting speed restrictions on certain subway lines. Read more to learn about other changes coming to the MTA. (Source: amNY)
RochesterFirst: State Department of Transportation announces start of Pittsford road project
ABC News: Major Japan railway now powered only by renewable energy
Next City: What the Merger of Sacramento Transit Agencies Means for Riders
Governing: There’s a Big Difference Between Transit Boards and Riders
Freight Waves: US supply chain pressures ease as transportation capacity grows
NY Times: How to Stop Speeding Drivers? Scare Them.
Transportation Today: FAA invests $1B to update air traffic control system
WHYY: NJ Transit buses will return to Philly in June
Energy/Environment
Lawmakers consider carbon border tax, environmental reviews at bipartisan climate meeting. Last week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers met to discuss the implementation of a carbon tax on imports from high-carbon emitting countries. The policy would put pressure on countries who are not meeting the Glasgow Climate Pact's international climate goals to decrease their annual emissions. Read more for insights into how the carbon tax could decrease global emissions and hasten the United States' decarbonizations efforts. (Source: The Hill)
NPR: U.S. speeds up phaseout of incandescent light bulbs in favor of energy-efficient ones
Car and Driver: U.S. Government Pledges $45 Million to Develop Better EV Batteries
Smart Energy International: NYPA seeks to replace gas peaker plants with battery storage
WGRZ: NYS expands home cooling assistance eligibility
State of Politics: Sierra Club launches effort to implement climate law
Reuters: U.S. EPA sends biofuel blending mandate rule to White House for final review
Canary Media: Did California actually hit 97% renewables in April? Yes and no
Yale E60: World Lost an Area of Forest the Size of Wyoming Last Year, Report Finds
Economic Development
New York City aims to keep outdoor lifestyle post-virus. Amid the sustained popularity of outdoor dining, New York City is planning to maintain the Open Restaurants and Open Streets programs—two initiatives that aim to protect and expand car-free streets in certain neighborhoods. The City hopes that fewer cars in these areas will boost foot traffic and increase patronage to small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Read more for insights into how NYC is planning to preserve and expand open outdoor spaces for its residents. (Source: AP News)
Grist: Why rural communities struggle to bring in much-needed federal grants
Route Fifty: States and Cities are Moving to Make Virtual Hearings Permanent
Pew Stateline: As Women Return to Jobs, Remote Work Could Lock in Gains
NJBIZ: NJEDA opens 2022 Net Operating Loss Program application
City Limits: Eric Adams’ Revised Housing Budget ‘Just Not Enough,’ Despite Boost for Shelter Beds
Gotham Gazette: Experts Analyze Future of New York City's Central Business Districts
Marketplace: A UN report says making cities more population-dense can help cut carbon emissions
CNN Business: America will recover all jobs lost during Covid by this summer
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