ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 13, 2022
Nora's Note
Nation-to-Nation. Monday marked Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States, a day to recognize the resilience of Native Americans through history and the culture and knowledge Tribal Nations bring to stewardship of the land. The day combined celebration and advocacy with reflections on past injustices and new paths forward. The environmental sector has much to learn from Native American land management practices, and recent agreements have further strengthened co-management practices between Tribal Nations and the federal government. Many Tribal Nations are accelerating the transition to clean energy in their communities through innovative approaches, like tribe-to-tribe utility cooperatives and impact funding from energy developers, investors, and governments that benefit the land and the people living on it. As we confront the effects of a warming planet, we must facilitate a just transition to prioritize climate action and uphold Tribal sovereignty.
Transportation
$100 monthly transit subsidy bill advances in Washington, DC. Aiming to increase ridership and revenue for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), policymakers have advanced a bill that would allocate $100 per month to each rider. Experts hope that increased use of the transit system will support climate, safety, health, and traffic goals in DC while benefiting low-income residents. Read more about how subsidies could encourage public transit usage in Washington, D.C. and beyond. (Source: Smart Cities)
Transport Topics: Cash Reinvigorates Critical Chicago-Area Transportation Network
Utility Dive: ‘Minimobility’ could fill the gap between micromobility and electric cars, analysts say
Transport Dive: Carriers work to restore service after Hurricane Ian
The Guardian: Cities around the world offered chance to win $1m to build cycle lanes
Reuters: U.S. awards $75 million loan to California county to extend high occupancy vehicle lanes
Energy/Environment
The US Air Force releases plan to reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to climate change. The Air Force is the largest greenhouse gas emitter within the Department of Defense and has already suffered significant repercussions from climate change. The Air Force’s first climate action plan lays out three priorities: maintaining air and space dominance in the face of climate risks, making climate informed decisions, and optimizing energy use by pursuing alternative energy sources. Read more about the Air Force’s plan and its goal for net-zero emissions. (Source: NBC)
E&E News: Texas wants oversight of CO2 wells. Other states may follow.
Utility Dive: EPA launches initiative to speed review of new chemicals for electric vehicle, clean energy sectors
Energy News Network: Maine farms could be ideal match for solar agrivoltaics, but more funding needed first
The Architect’s Newspaper: Shuttered coalfield development in West Virginia will be transformed into renewable energy enterprise
Energy News Network: Maine program aims to help small towns electrify heat in public buildings
Economic Development
New York City Council passes a bill aimed at removing barriers to opening and operating a small business. Currently, over 5,000 rules and regulations and 200 business-related licenses and permits must be followed and obtained to open a small business in New York City, and many small businesses are still struggling to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed bill would reduce the number of rules and regulations and an online portal would allow businesses to submit information on one site. Read more about how this bill will help small businesses to open faster and remove obstacles to operating smoothly. (Source: New York Post)
Reuters: U.S. plans to award $221 mln to address Mississippi flooding risks
Bloomberg: Disabled Americans Reap Remote-Work Reward in Record Employment
Reuters: U.S. services sector slows modestly, trade deficit narrows sharply
Smart Cities Dive: How cities and states can compete for infrastructure funds
NY Daily News: College aid for NYC foster kids to expand under new Mayor Adams’ plan
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