ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 20, 2022
Nora's Note
Voting for a greener, more equitable future. Election season is less than two weeks away, and early voting starts October 29. This year, voters in New York are asked to consider ballot proposals aimed at improving lives as we improve the environment. Proposition 1: New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the largest environmental bond act in state history, would direct $4.2 billion towards protecting and restoring New York’s natural resources, fighting the effects of climate change, and funding workforce development in the clean energy sector. Legislators and advocacy groups remind NY voters to flip over their ballots to vote on the measure. As the clean energy transition accelerates across the country, referendums like Prop 1 are bold measures to advance clean fuels, decarbonize buildings, and build renewable infrastructure, all through the lens of advancing climate justice.
Transportation
Michigan gets a $105M grant to turn Detroit's I-375 into a boulevard. Michigan's Department of Transportation has announced a nearly $105 million commitment from the federal government to revert the interstate highway back to a pedestrian-friendly commercial and residential zone. The construction of I-375 in the 1960s eliminated the predominantly African-American Black Bottom neighborhood to make way for suburban commuters. The USDOT declared the rebuild an equitable approach toward reconnecting communities while improving infrastructure. Read more on how the former highway will be transformed to revitalize the neighborhood. (Source: The Detroit News)
The Guardian: Cities around the world offered chance to win $1m to build cycle lanes
Inside Climate News: How a New ‘Battery Data Genome’ Project Will Use Vast Amounts of Information to Build Better EVs
The Hill: NASA suggests new space cooling technology could charge electric cars in 5 minutes
Transport Topics: White House Announces $60 Billion for Roads, Bridges
Smart Cities Dive: Transit measures are on the November ballot in these city and county elections
Energy/Environment
For decades, these power plants ran on coal. Now they’re converting to clean energy. Across the US, more than 20 coal plants are being converted into renewable energy hubs, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Experts hope to utilize existing grid infrastructure at coal plants to speed the delivery of clean energy and boost job growth. The Inflation Reduction Act has already spurred over $28 billion in investments in the clean energy transition. Read more to learn how converting former coal plants could accelerate the clean energy transition. (Source: Fast Company)
Smart Cities Dive: Long before weather disasters strike, communicating with vulnerable residents is key: report
Energy News Network: A Chicago mansion shows the potential for geothermal energy in urban areas
The Guardian: Will shifting to solar help healthcare clinics survive the climate crisis?
Virginia Mercury: D.C. regional planning group touts carbon reductions
Utility Dive: New Jersey BPU storage incentive proposal targets 1 GW of 4-hour batteries by 2030
Economic Development
Biden Administration announces the formal launch of the student loan forgiveness program. The federal government announced the opening of the application on Monday. Applications will be accepted through December 2023 at studentaid.gov. Since the site’s launch over 8 million people have applied for forgiveness, with more than 40 million Americans projected to benefit from the program. The website’s accessible form allows users to apply without attaching any documentation, creating a simple application process. Read more on the projected benefits of federal student loan relief and how to apply. (Source: CNN)
NY1: NYC sees highest pandemic office occupancy rate: report
City Limits: Sewer Backups, Increasing from Climate Change, are Costing City’s Homeowners
The Post Journal: State Senator Proposes Middle Class Home Heating Help
Harlem World: New York City Celebrates Groundbreaking Reforms To Expand Opportunities For M/WBEs
MiBiz: Advanced transportation driving Michigan clean energy job growth, report finds
About Arch Street Communications
At ASC, we help government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations across the globe communicate issues that affect people’s lives. We’re the bold, nimble, women-owned small business (WBE) that has supported strategic communications programs to build stronger communities for 30 years.
Ready to find the “simple truth” solutions to build a better future? We want to hear from you! Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.
Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections