ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 18, 2022
Nora's Note
Funding a greener future for all. This week, Equinor Wind US announced the opening of grant applications for its $5 Million Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund in partnership with NYEDC and the Sunset Park Task Force. Announced by Esther Sosa, Sunset Park Task Force; Doreen Harris, CEO NYSERDA; Molly Morris, President, Equinor US Offshore Wind; and Melissa Román Burch, COO NYEDC; the fund will support sustainable growth, empowerment of underserved areas, and climate justice in the offshore wind ecosystem in New York City, with individual grant awards of up to $900,000 over a three-year period. With a focus on environmental justice communities, minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs), and service-disabled veteran owned businesses (SDVOBs), the Ecosystem Fund represents a powerful investment for equity in the long-awaited clean energy transition. The offshore wind industry is set to employ more than 13,000 additional workers in New York on the way to providing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy. As the clean energy transition gains speed, local partnerships such as this will be crucial to ensuring equity in workforce development and bringing clean energy benefits to all New Yorkers.
News at ASC
ASC Wins the GOLD! ASC took home the Gold Stevie Award for Organizational Recovery for our pivotal work bringing inclusive digital public engagement solutions to help the public sector regain momentum and engage the public during COVID. ascRemote launched in 2020 with free tools, tactics, and expert guidance to connect with the public on projects vital to recovery. Learn more at www.asc-Remote.com
Transportation
New York eyes low-carbon fuels for transportation. The state's Climate Action Council is considering enacting a clean fuel standard to encourage citizens to use low-carbon fuels and electric vehicles. The council has hosted feedback sessions with environmental groups to address how the standard would affect low-income households and disadvantaged communities. As electric vehicles and charging stations become more accessible, complete electrification seems more promising and many states are implementing their own clean fuel goals. Read more about the specifics of New York’s action plan. (Source: Politico)
Mass Transit: MTA surpasses previous pandemic-era Sunday ridership record on New York City subway
CNBC: The threat of national rail strike eases, for now, as key union BMWED extends deal deadline
E&E News: U.S. allies plead with Biden to relax new EV rules
Energy/Environment
White House releases net-zero road map. The Biden Administration has announced the Net-Zero Game Changers initiative to help achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The initiative will drive clean energy innovation by directing 37 “game-changing” technology categories across federal agencies. The administration also identified 5 initial key areas for energy research and development: power grids, aviation, fusion energy, efficient buildings and net-zero fuels and industrial products. The road map will serve as a comprehensive climate innovation strategy to guide decarbonization investments. Read more about the net-zero road map. (Source: E&E News)
Canary Media: Hawaii moves to time-varying ‘smart’ rates for most utility customers
NPR: U.N. plan would help warn people in vulnerable countries about climate threats
Reuters: Alaska state company proposes hydrogen hub, eyeing federal funds
Economic Development
Can Cities Combat ‘Green Gentrification’? As cities make strides in providing the public with more green space in urban environments, researchers suggest displacement and rising housing costs are also on the rise. According to the US Forest Service, every 1% increase in a neighborhood's tree coverage increases home sale prices by $882 on average. To combat this paradox, experts suggest pairing green infrastructure with equitable community development policies that maintain and add affordable housing and engage with vulnerable populations. Read more to learn about the effects of green gentrification in cities. (Source: Bloomberg)
Camden County: $25 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funds to Rebuild Neighborhoods and Ports
Spectrum News 1: U.S. inflation eased to 7.7% last month, beating expectations
The New York Times: Nearly 2,600 Apartments for Mentally Ill and Homeless People Sit Vacant
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