ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 1st, 2024
Nora’s Note
To the polls. With the general election this coming Tuesday, millions of Americans have already voted or are making plans to head to their local election site. The 2020 presidential election had the highest turnout amongst eligible voters in American history, yet the US still lags behind many world democracies in voter turnout. Voting is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to shape our communities, both through the candidates we elect to represent us and through our direct vote on propositions and protections to be added to our state and local laws. When we vote, we’re not just ticking a box—we’re raising our voices on the issues that affect our daily lives, from schools and roads to public safety and health services. Casting a ballot is a simple yet powerful way to impact our changing world.
Transportation
Massachusetts investing in commuter rail to relieve traffic congestion. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) plans to invest nearly $2.5 billion in its commuter rail system. Some of the train lines will also be electrified including the Fairmont line, serving an environmental justice community. By expanding service, electrifying lines, and improving infrastructure, the state hopes to create a more reliable and efficient rail network. Read more to learn more about this ambitious project and its potential impact on the region. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Gothamist: NYC gets green light to quadruple number of red-light cameras
Pasadena Now: LA Metro To Provide Free Transit On Election Day
NBC Boston: Budget chief wants to direct $1B toward MBTA, transportation improvements
Climate
More states ban PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in more products.This year has seen both state and federal legislative activity to restrict the use of some PFAS in everyday consumer products and drinking water. These moves follow research linking PFAS to health risks, such as cancer and liver damage. More states are targeting specific products, while a few states, like Maine and Washington, are taking more sweeping approaches. Industry groups argue against blanket bans for all PFAs, seeking exceptions and time to develop alternatives. Read more to learn about PFAS regulations. (Source: Stateline)
Energy News Network: This disaster relief nonprofit is pioneering a clean energy alternative to noisy, polluting generators
Axios: Treasury rolls out climate-friendly manufacturing tax breaks
Floodlight: ‘Renewable energy growth is truly a 50-state story now’: New report shows big jump in solar, wind, EVs
Economic Development
Harris announces record lending from Small Business Administration. More than 100,000 small businesses received a record $56 billion in loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, according to the SBA’s FY24 Capital Impact Report. The report notes that lending to Black-owned businesses has tripled since FY 2020 and over 9,000 small businesses received disaster loans. Read more to learn about the SBA’s recent lending trends. (Source: ABC)
Market Watch: Biden administration to award nearly $250 million to develop 30,000 affordable housing units
Yale Climate Connections: Jobs in wind, solar, and energy storage are booming. Is your state keeping up?
Pew: More States Are Planning for the Coming Retirement Surge
Digital
New rules for US national security agencies balance AI’s promise with need to protect against risks. The White House has introduced new AI guidelines for U.S. national security and intelligence agencies to harness the technology's potential while minimizing risks. The framework encourages advanced AI applications but warns against misuses such as civil rights violations and weapons deployment. The policy seeks to balance national security advancements with important privacy safeguards. Read more about reactions to the new policy and its potential implications. (Source: Associated Press)
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