ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 6, 2022
Nora's Note
Resiliency for the storms ahead. October is Energy Awareness Month, and this year’s hurricane season has reminded us of the urgent need for resilient energy systems as we face natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Puerto Rico and Florida have been battered by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, and their ability to weather future storms will depend on long-term planning of energy infrastructure to meet the challenge of stronger storms and transition to renewable power. The New York Power Authority has contributed in-depth assessments and planning capabilities to help Puerto Rico rebuild from past storms, and transportation leaders in New York State stand ready to assist victims of Hurricane Ian in Florida. As we build back from the effects of these storms, working together will be essential to fostering an equitable and resilient energy future.
Transportation
U.S. approves 50 states’ EV charging plans. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) approved electric vehicle (EV) charging station plans for all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, releasing $5 billion in funding for an EV charging network on interstate highways. The network will help advance the federal government’s goal of 50% of all new vehicles sold to be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030. Chargers will be placed every 50 miles on interstate highways and within 1 mile of the highway. Read more about the funding and timeline for this charging network. (Source: Reuters)
Transportation Today: FRA awards three projects $4M to upgrade, improve rail infrastructure
Transport Topics: USDOT Unveils Guide, Grants to Combat Truck Parking Shortage
GovTech: Electric School Buses Aid Power Grid in Moments of Need
Roads & Bridges: USDOT Announces $6.5 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Safety
E&E News: Future EVs should charge by day – study
Energy/Environment
Massachusetts program allows homeowners to share excess power. A Massachusetts solar company is including low-income households in the transition to clean energy by sharing excess power produced by larger households at no cost. Solar energy continues to grow in the US, yet lower-income households often face barriers to entry due to the initial cost of solar systems. Solar energy sharing initiatives have been used in low-income neighborhoods of various cities and could help neighborhoods work together to reduce emissions and benefit economically. Read more about how solar sharing programs incentivize homeowners to install larger solar systems. (Source: Energy News Network)
ABC News: New Jersey first state to introduce climate change curriculum in schools
Smart Cities Dive: Urban agriculture gets city funding in Chicago
E&E News: N.J. sets East Coast’s largest offshore wind target
Utility Dive: New York launches 2 GW renewable energy solicitation as natural gas prices drive up electricity bills
E&E News: Can modern water management save the Rio Grande?
Economic Development
Pittsburgh's New Budget Tool Makes Data More Accessible. Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget has created a digital hub that allows users to access municipal budget data in real-time. The online tool allows the public to explore interactive maps of relevant data on citywide budget allocations. The project builds off of similar mapping initiatives in Pittsburgh related to fire risk, neighborhood safety, and fighting the opioid epidemic. Read more on how this information distribution initiative will allow city residents to access data on capital budgets and operating budgets in the city. (Source: GovTech)
Bloomberg: US Women in Manufacturing Jobs Reach New High After Pandemic
The Hill: 7 in 10 workers surveyed say inflation is outpacing their pay
Reuters: US job openings drop sharply, labor market starting to loosen
GovTech: Broadband Gaps Linger in New York State’s Small Towns
Bloomberg: US Housing Prices Fall for First Time Since 2012
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