ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 3rd, 2023
Nora's Note
New York leads in clean energy development. This month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the largest-ever state investment in renewable energy with a commitment to creating clean energy jobs in New York State and supporting disadvantaged communities. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires that the state obtain 70% of power from renewable sources by the year 2030, with at least 35% of the benefits from the CLCPA going towards disadvantaged communities. The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has collaborated with coalition partners New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the City of New York to seek funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program, continuing to work toward the state’s promise to expand access to renewables for low-income and disadvantaged communities and to fund On-the-Job Training grants for clean energy jobs. As agencies and energy developers across the state continue to work toward New York’s nation-leading climate goals, Arch Street Communications is proud to be doing business in New York facilitating meaningful public engagement for a cleaner future.
Transportation
USDOT establishes strategic partnership with Kansas City, MO, to fund mobility and infrastructure project. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has formed a strategic partnership with Kansas City, Mo., to fund over $15 billion worth of projects aimed at enhancing mobility, connectivity, safety, and equity in the region. This agreement will support initiatives like the expansion of the east-west Streetcar, a 21-mile rail line from the airport, connecting underserved communities to essential services, and more. The partnership will explore innovative financing options, including low-interest rate loans and technical assistance grants. Read more about additional projects in the pipeline. (Source: Mass Transit Mag)
Smart Cities Dive: 70+ cities, groups report progress a year after committing to shared-mobility goals
Gov Tech: Multiple Bay Area Programs Aim to Expand Access to E-Bikes
Trains: Colorado to fund study of Denver-Craig passenger service
Keystone State News Connection: More PA motorists make the switch to electric vehicles
Climate
US energy department announces $1.3bn transmission buildout. The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded three major contractors with $1.3 billion to build three transmission projects across the US, including a 1200 MW project in the northeast between the US and Canada. This is the first round of a total of $3.5 billion allocated to increase grid capacity and resilience across the United States through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The increased transmission capacity will help the United States reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Read more to learn more about electrification in the northeast and beyond. (Source: Smart Energy International)
NPR: Global shift to clean energy means fossil fuel demand will peak soon, IEA says
Grist: Hear that? It’s the sound of leaf blower bans.
Boise State Public Radio: Idaho, utilities receive federal funds for electric grid resilience
KRQE: New Mexico nonprofits get grants to boost energy efficiency
Economic Development
Florida will receive $106M in federal funds to lower home energy bills. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has renewed funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), allocating nearly $3.7 billion to the program for weather related and supply shortage emergencies, with Florida set to receive $106 million for the 2024 fiscal year. Part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this funding aims to aid low-income households with their home energy costs, on top of essential needs such as food, medicine, and housing. Read more to learn how extreme weather events have impacted surging energy costs in Florida. (Source: WUSF)
Utility Dive: White House points to nationwide clean energy jobs growth as IRA success story
Longmont Leader: Colorado designated a quantum tech hub
Axios: SBA-backed loans to Latino-owned small businesses hit $3B
ENR: NY Minority Worker-Owned Solar Firm Flips Labor-Model On Its Head
Digital
Biden Signs Executive Order Regulating Artificial Intelligence. President Biden has issued an executive order to regulate AI, requiring companies to conduct tests on AI models for safety and privacy before public release. It also addresses concerns about deepfake technology, calling for watermarking standards and measures to counter public confusion about authentic content. Lawmakers may go further, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for the U.S. to spend at least $32 billion in the coming years to boost AI research and development. Read more for better understanding of the innovative technology. (Source: Government Technology)
Marketplace: How video game training can boost employee performance
ReadWrite: How AI and Cloud Strategies are Changing Investment Banking
Forbes: Digital Twin Technology Indispensable For Energy Sector New-Build
Engadget: US Senate begins collecting evidence on how AI could thwart robocalls
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