ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of September 20, 2021
Nora's Note
More than just a week. It’s currently Climate Week NYC, a global opportunity for government, private enterprises, non-profit organizations and individuals to recognize current climate action and compare notes on how we can do more to accelerate our climate responses. The 2021 agenda covers a wide range—from clean transportation and sustainable living to environmental justice and green jobs—highlighting that climate change touches every aspect of our lives today. As ASC attends virtual Climate Week events throughout the week, it has been exciting to plan for a more resilient, cleaner future at the local to the global level. We’re looking forward to applying what we’ve learned in our future work.
New At ASC
Last week, our new website went live! Visit our new site to learn more about who we are, what we do and how partnering with ASC can help you advance communications strategies that save, change and improve lives.
Transportation
Amid pandemic ridership decline, CDTA moves to expand mobility options. New York's Capital District Transit Authority has implemented several new transit programs designed to win back some of the two million regular riders who stopped using public transit during the pandemic. Its new “Flex” ride-hailing app expanded operations this week. Other new CDTA programs include an e-scooter-sharing program and plans to launch an electric car-sharing program later this year. Read on to learn how the CDTA is adjusting to new travel patterns that have emerged during the pandemic.
Greater Greater Washington: Wednesday is Car Free Day
Hudson Valley Post: $23.6 Million Project Will Help ‘Countless’ New York Drivers
ABC 7: MTA announces 1st female head of subway car maintenance
The City: How Does Congestion Pricing Work? What to Know About the Toll System Taking Manhattan
amNY: MTA wants city to double Fair Fares enrollment by next year
The Hill: 56 percent of car owners 'likely' to buy an EV or hybrid car next
Smart City Dive: City leaders should expand their purview of electric transportation beyond cars, experts urge
Transport Topics: Distracted Driving Coalition Launches Nationwide Effort
Energy/Environment
Addressing a $100B ‘roadblock’ to full electrification. Millions of homeowners will need to upgrade their electrical panels in order to fully transition from fossil fuels. However, at a potential cost of up to $2,000 per upgraded panel, many lower-income households may be unable to make that investment—posing a significant energy equity challenge. Utility rebates and incentives toward updated panels could play a major role in reaching national goals to reduce carbon emissions by making cleaner energy infrastructure more accessible. Read on to learn more about the steps needed toward an equitable energy transition.
Spectrum News 1: How Hochul wants to shift New York to solar energy
Fast Company: This roadmap shows how the U.S. can cut emissions in half by 2030
Boston Globe: Mass. is creating a Commission on Clean Heat, a major step toward achieving climate goals
Scientific American: Scientists Flood Forests to Mimic Rising Seas
National Geographic: Rainforests are adapted to hurricanes, but climate change may be pushing some to a breaking point
Next City: There’s a Better Way to Plan for Extreme Heat
Renewable Energy World: Europe and North America to connect 7.9 million EV chargers by 2025
Washington Post: As they gather at U.N., world leaders face furious push to act quickly on climate change
Economic Development
In-Person Workers Are Slow to Return to Jobs. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in-person workers are returning to the workforce at a much slower pace than expected. Throughout the country, hospitality, construction and manufacturing businesses are citing labor shortages as a major obstacle in returning to their pre-pandemic operations. Even as employers offer higher wages, workers have identified child care needs or health concerns as challenges to returning to an in-person work environment. Read on for more information on the U.S. job market's continuing recovery.
Route Fifty: Nearly One-Third of Infrastructure Jobs are Tough to Fill, Research Finds
NJ 101.5: NJ expands Ida recovery grants for small business to cover Henri
Pew Stateline: OSHA Will Issue Heat Standards to Protect Workers
Business Insider: Remote work didn't wipe out big cities — it made them even bigger
Spectrum News 1: How New York City is expanding its life sciences industry
Governing: Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Is a Boon for Labor Unions
Bloomberg CityLab: Lessons From the Rise and Fall of the Pedestrian Mall
Travel Agent Central: Empire State Development Launches NY’s New Tourism Campaign
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