ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 19th, 2023
Nora's Note
Every voice counts in the climate fight. New York's six million buildings produce a third of the greenhouse gases emitted in New York State, putting a priority on increasing building energy efficiency and electrification if we are to meet the ambitions of New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to slash greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050. This month, we’re supporting the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in a round of public meetings in Albany, Buffalo and Brooklyn, plus a virtual session, to collect input on proposed changes to the Energy Conservation Construction Code, which sets minimum building standards for energy efficiency in the State. With buildings consuming 60% of the State’s energy, code compliance is a big contributor to cleaner, healthier communities, and input on potential policy changes is pivotal to building a greener, more efficient future for New York State.
Transportation
Senators Propose EV Fee for Highway Trust Fund. U.S. Senators have introduced the "Stop EV Freeloading Act" to ensure electric vehicles (EVs) contribute to the federal Highway Trust Fund, which currently relies on taxes from gas and diesel fuel. The legislation proposes a one-time fee system for EVs, $1,000 at the point of sale, to support highway maintenance and repair. The bill aims to address the perceived imbalance between EVs and traditional vehicles, emphasizing that all vehicles should contribute fairly to infrastructure upkeep. Read more to learn about industry stakeholders’ push for equity in funding transportation infrastructure. (Source: Transportation Topics)
Transportation Topics: Fleets Turn to Military Veterans to Fill Technician Roles
Smart Cities Dive: FTA offers $197M to replace aging public transit rail vehicles
Mass Transit Mag: Construction on Lynn Commuter Rail Station platform expected to be completed nine months ahead of schedule
Transportation Today: Organization urges involvement in net-zero future
Climate
California enacts far-reaching climate disclosure laws. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a set of climate and environmental laws into effect, reinforcing stringent regulations for businesses to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offsets, and climate-related financial risks. They also aim to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, including offshore wind projects. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, one of the prominent bills, mandates over 5,300 large companies in California to disclose both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 2026. Read more for details on how businesses will adjust to these laws. (Source: Grist)
Oregon Capital Chronicle: EPA accepting applications from Northwest states, tribes for millions in grants to cut pollution
WEForum: Why planting and growing trees matters for climate, people and biodiversity
New York Times: Energy Firms, Green Groups and Others Reach Deal on Solar Farms
Times Standard: McGuire bill signed with hopes to cut five years off offshore wind development
Economic Development
US economy added 336,000 jobs last month, almost twice what was expected. With more jobs than expected added across all sectors, the United States saw its 33rd consecutive month of job growth in September 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that the nation’s unemployment rate has remained stable at 3.8 percent. Some economists are concerned, however, that the percentage of women aged 25-54 in the workforce dropped slightly from the all-time high seen earlier this year. Read more to learn about additional metrics to keep an eye on in today’s rapidly changing economy. (Source: CNN)
NPR: Washington state gets $1B boost for roadwork, including EV infrastructure
NJ Biz: Office to apartment conversion coming to Trenton
Bronx Times: City Council approves $500M development with nearly 1K units in Crotona Park East
CNN: Nobel Prize in economics awarded to Claudia Goldin for her work on women in the labor market
Digital
What is artificial intelligence? Legislators are still looking for a definition. Earlier this year, Hawaii state Senator Chris Lee introduced legislation, written by an artificial intelligence (AI) system ChatGPT, urging Congress to consider the benefits and risks of AI. Various other states have also passed legislation related to AI with definitions fluctuating significantly, causing challenges to get to a concrete answer. Legislators believe that it's crucial to regulate and harness AI's potential rather than being hesitant about exploring this emerging field. Read more about the importance of defining artificial intelligence. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: Florida Bolsters Cyber Defenses With Newly Awarded Federal Grant
GovExec: The money's out the door in nationwide unemployment insurance modernization push
CNN: NY officials announce legislation aimed at protecting kids on social media
GovTech: How Can Local Governments Safely Use Generative AI?
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