ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of September 12, 2022
Nora's Note
Something to Talk About. Hispanic Heritage Month is a 30-day celebration of the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the US. But this year’s theme, "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," underscores the diversity of Hispanic Americans and the obstacles they continue to face in achieving fair representation, recognition, and opportunity. In ASC’s work on workforce development initiatives for clean energy, we’ve collected some jarring data—there will be 211,000 more clean energy jobs by 2030, but 44% of Latinx and Black New Yorkers can’t imagine themselves with a job in the clean energy sector (89% of white New Yorkers do). So, while we celebrate at art exhibits and block parties in October, let’s also do the work ahead to take down the barriers to help change people’s lives while we change the environment.
Transportation
NYC Looks to Tackle Extreme Heat via City Streets and Urban Forests. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) is launching a pilot program to research “Cool Corridors” in Harlem, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. Policy makers hope the federally funded program will reveal better ways to make cooling accessible for all by mitigating the effects of heat-absorbing infrastructure and extreme heat events, especially in low-income communities of color. Read more on the cooling methods NYCDOT is investigating for possible use in New York City. (Source: City Limits)
Utility Dive: 15 states should be prioritized for EV infrastructure, EV Council report suggests
OPB: Animal crossings over and under highways can save big dollars — not just lives — says new study
Herald Net: Week Without Driving challenges officials to learn transportation gaps
The Washington Post: What do airlines owe for canceled flights? A new dashboard tells you.
Smart Cities Dive: Micromobility equity goals are common, but follow-through is lacking: study
CNBC: New York ends mask requirement for subways, buses and other mass transit
Energy/Environment
$46 Million For New Technologies That Convert Carbon & Waste Into Clean Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced funding for 22 research projects that use algae and waste streams to produce biofuel. Waste streams and algal blooms can create toxic effects for humans and often disproportionately affect underserved communities. Using biofuel as a replacement for fossil fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping reach Federal goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. Read more about why algae and waste streams are targets for producing biofuel. (Source: CleanTechnica)
Energy News Network: As wealthy towns go electric, who will pick up the tab for aging gas infrastructure?
Grist: Study: Antarctic 'doomsday' glacier could retreat rapidly
The Hill: Water crisis in Jackson, Miss., raises concerns about environmental racism
ABC News: Now hiring: US offshore wind ramps up, workers taught safety
Bloomberg: A Text Alert May Have Saved California From Power Blackouts
The Hill: Maximizing the impact of a history-making federal clean energy investment program
Economic Development
How three cities are using public art for neighborhood revitalization. The cities of Detroit, Boston and Chicago are revitalizing historically underserved communities through new public art programming. With funding from the American Rescue Plan and local nonprofits, the three cities are spearheading a new wave of public art development in underserved commercial and residential city blocks. These initiatives prioritize equity by investing in community outreach, collecting community input and elevating artists within the community. Read more about this nationwide trend to address community needs through the arts. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
StateScoop: FCC approves $800M for rural broadband expansion in 19 states
Brookings: Tracking the robust recovery in the business sector since 2020
Bloomberg: US Rents Hit New Record as Parts of NYC Soar Past $4,000 for August
MarketWatch: U.S. gains 315,000 jobs in August. Labor market still strong but shows sign of cooling
Next City: The South Side’s New Collective Approach to Commercial Corridors
Bloomberg: Women Are Still Suffering More Than Men in Pandemic Job Hit
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