ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of October 18, 2021
Nora's Note
Ever Upward. During his decade-long tenure as President and CEO of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), Gil Quiniones has played a critical role in affirming New York State as a national leader in the transition to the clean energy economy. ASC has been honored to work with Gil during that time, and we have been thrilled to watch as blue-sky ideas became tangible innovations changing the look, feel and direction of energy in New York. We wish his team and the new leadership well. His departure reminds us of the value of decisive leadership as New York works to meet the bold, aggressive, equitable and forward-thinking goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). We look forward to new stories coming out of Chicago and continuing to support Governor Hochul in developing the clean energy economy in New York State.
Transportation
White House Climate Action Plan includes USDOT. After issuing an executive order in January to address climate change, the White House worked with more than 20 Federal agencies to develop new climate action plans. The US Department of Transportation's plan calls for investments in climate resiliency infrastructure, protections for communities impacted by poor air quality and overall reduction of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Read on to see how the plan connects to other Federal agency plans for more resilient operations.
The City: MTA to Allow Live Remote Public Commenting for Board Meetings After Outcry
NY Daily News: Feds to release nontoxic particles, gases in NYC subway as part of terrorism study
CityLab: Before Interstates, America Got Around on Interurbans
Mass Transit: New York City Comptroller releases new transit data, plan to better serve commuters post COVID-19
Progressive Railroading: U.S. transportation sector's unemployment rate fell in September
NY Times: ‘It’s Not Sustainable’— What America’s Port Crisis Looks Like Up Close
Transportation Today: U.S. DOT announces $3.5M for access and mobility grants
AmNY: Port Authority pauses $2.1B LaGuardia AirTrain plan to review alternatives at Hochul’s request
Energy/Environment
Solar panels on half the world’s roofs could meet its entire electricity demand. According to a new study, global annual energy needs could be met if half of the world’s rooftops installed solar panels. Homeowners and businesses are turning to rooftop solar photovoltaics more often as demand for alternative energy increases and prices fall—making that goal more feasible as time passes. Read on to learn more about the study’s predictions on where rooftop solar panels are most likely to be useful.
Wired: Deadly Heat Is Baking Cities. Here’s How to Cool Them Down
Greater Greater Washington: How DC plans to address the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure
New Republic: When Bad Weather and Bad Landlords Collide
Nature: Make electric vehicles lighter to maximize climate and safety benefits
Bloomberg: Flood-Threat Assessment Finds Danger Goes Far Beyond U.S. Homes
Business Insider: California is banning gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and weed trimmers — and offering rebates for switching to zero-emission tools
Reuters: UN declares access to a clean environment a human right
The Hill: Biden administration announces goal of 5 million homes powered by community solar
Economic Development
Racial Bias Skewed Small-Business Relief Lending, Study Says. A new report shows Black small business owners were less likely to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans when applying for the loan from banks rather than automated online lenders. The disparity was particularly pronounced at smaller, regional banks. The researchers behind this study plan to use these results to explore how technology can be used to reduce systemic bias across all sectors. Read on for a deeper analysis of how the study results connect to other challenges minority-owned businesses have faced in their pandemic recovery.
WBUR: Offshore wind is America's new industry. Who will build it?
Route Fifty: How Public Health Officials Overcame Vaccine Barriers in Minority Communities
Pew Stateline: Drought-Stricken Western Towns Say No to Developers
NBC News: NYC Outlines Next Steps to Replace Gifted & Talented Program in Schools
FedScoop: Aspen Institute study finds women make up just 24% of cybersecurity workforce
WKBW: State looking into possible downtown Buffalo site for possible new stadium for Bills
Brookings Institute: Stronger and more frequent hurricanes threaten job growth in coastal counties
The Real Deal: Local officials acknowledge history of racism in city planning, pledge change
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