ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of January 31, 2022
Nora's Note
A Historic Step for Equity. Last week, Justice Stephen G. Breyer announced his retirement from the Supreme Court, bringing a close to a 27+ year tenure serving the Court. The announcement opens the door on a landmark opportunity to deliver on President Biden’s campaign promise to nominate a Black female judge for the first time in Supreme Court history. While no nominees have been named, all eyes are on a select few candidates with particularly accomplished backgrounds. As we kick off Black History Month, ASC looks forward to more news-making moments that walk the talk toward making public institutions more equitable, inclusive and representative.
Transportation
Bloomberg CityLab: 5 U.S. Cities Where Bike Commuting Is Booming. As cities across the country see a sustained surge in cycling activity, a new report by the League of American Bicyclists identifies the cities leading the U.S. “Biking Boom.” The report spotlights Boston and Chicago, among other cities, which have encouraged cycling among residents by implementing innovative policies and investing in new biking infrastructure. Read more to learn how Biking Boom cities are adapting to increased bicycle travel.
The City: MTA Looking for High-Tech Ideas to Keep Subway Tracks Clear
Pew Stateline: Electric Vehicles Charge Ahead in Statehouses
Transport Topics: New York Works to Expand Road Testing Availability for CDLs
Mass Transit: CTrail’s Hartford Line to Springfield recovered in 2021, but reaching pre-pandemic business will be a challenge
Transportation Today: FHWA announces $17.8M for Tribal Technical Assistance Program Centers
Fast Company: This map shows the dozens of U.S. cities that will get new public transit in 2022
AmNY: Gov. Hochul unveils more details about Interborough Express in new study
Roll Call: DOT vows ‘paradigm shift’ in new roadway safety standards
Energy/Environment
Gothamist: Extreme Weather Could Result In More Power Outages, Higher Energy Bills. With storms and flooding happening more frequently, climate researchers are calling for upgrades to the nation's energy infrastructure. Citing Hurricane Ida, which shuttered subway service and left over 130,000 households without power in the NYC metro area, researchers pointed out that environmental stressors can weaken a region's ability to deliver reliable, affordable power. Utilities and governments must cooperate to deliver grid upgrades that will safeguard against future weather-related outages. Read more for further details on the proposed upgrades.
Grist: Why renters are uniquely vulnerable to climate disasters
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Smart meters were supposed to educate consumers about energy usage and cut their bills. Have they?
Inside Climate News: As States Move to Electrify Their Fleets, Activists Demand Greater Environmental Justice Focus
NY Times: A Fight Over Rooftop Solar Threatens California’s Climate Goals
AP News: Justices to weigh limits on reach of Clean Water Act
Utility Dive: New York regulators tap ConEdison to help interconnect up to 6 GW of offshore wind
NorthJersey.com: High levels of PFAS chemicals found in 34 NJ drinking water systems affecting 500K+ people
Fast Company: Offshore wind farms could do double duty as carbon capture devices
Economic Development
Canary Media: The Buzz Around Carbon Removal is Drawing Jobseekers in Droves. In recent years, companies that work to develop innovative methods of capturing, storing and using carbon have received significant funding from both public and private sources. Analysts project that the industry, which already attracts many employees, will grow into a major job creator as the demand for carbon capture technology continues to increase. Read more for insights on the next steps for the carbon capture industry and workforce from those currently in the field.
NY1: White House to ask mayors nationwide to name infrastructure coordinators
CT Mirror: Manufacturing jobs are available in Connecticut, but young people need to fill them
Route Fifty: Mayors Move to Confront Racial Disparities in Their Cities
Governing: Eric Adams Consolidates New York City Tech Agencies
NBC New York: US Warns That Chip Shortage Could Shut Down Factories
NY Times: Omicron’s Economic Toll—Missing Workers, More Uncertainty and Higher Inflation (Maybe)
Smart Cities Dive: White House forms coalition with local governments to pursue building performance policies
City Limits: NY’s Foreclosure Freeze Is Over. Here’s What At-Risk Homeowners Can Do
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COVID-19 Recovery Resources
NY Forward: NY State Reopening Updates
NYC Health: NYC Reopening Updates
Empire State Development: NY State Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative
CDC: Official Updates for Coronavirus Disease
SBA: COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses
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