ASC's Intersections Newsletter — September 27th, 2024
Nora’s Note
Sharing climate stories. New York City was buzzing this week for Climate Week 2024. From coastal resilience in waterfront design to housing justice and green energy workforce development, the ASC team engaged with colleagues across industries - sharing stories, ideas, and actionable insights in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change and facilitate a just transition. Inclusive storytellingwas a key theme of this year’s conversations, and for good reason. Studies show we are 22 times more likely to remember something told to us in stories rather than through facts, encouraging empathy and understanding of the human impacts of climate change. More than 2/3 of Americans support prioritizing renewable energy developmentover expanding fossil fuel sources, and 70% of Americans believe the US must take steps to address climate change. The support, ideas, and collaborative spirit for climate action are there – and the energy is greater than ever. We’re energized to keep pushing forward, working together to drive action toward a sustainable future for all.
Transportation
PennDOT will spend at least $14 million on EV chargers in Philly. PennDOT is investing millions in federal funds to install public EV chargers in Philadelphia by 2025 or 2026. This funding will come through the $7.5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, of which Pennsylvania is set to receive $171.5million. Currently, there are nearly 10,000 registered EVs but only 145 publicly accessible charging stations. Read more to learn how this aims to significantly increase charging accessibility within Philly. (Source: Billy Penn)
Associated Press: Treasury rule would expand tax credits for installing electric vehicle chargers
Bangor Daily News: $16.6M grant will help Maine prepare for hybrid electric ferry
Mass Transit Mag: Optimizing Transit Fleet Electrification With Advanced Battery Management
Climate
Dutchess County presents solutions to cut climate pollution across the mid-Hudson. Last week, a Hudson Valley organization received a $3 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to reduce methane emissions from over a dozen closed landfills. As part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, biofilters will reduce methane by up to 90 percent at former landfills in Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange counties. Read more to learn how the biofilters will work. (Source: Poughkeepsie Journal)
Energy News Network: Ohio cities to collaborate on voluntary program to help commercial buildings cut emissions
Trellis: Clean energy projects: What to know about the permitting logjam
Utility Dive: DOE spurs new building energy codes with another $90M
Economic Development
Low-income families face high energy burden, prompting calls for more government action. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released a policy brief highlighting one in four low-income households spends more than 15% of their annual income on energy bills, yet these households cannot afford the upgrades needed to improve energy efficiency. Advocates are pushing for increased government funding to support energy bill assistance and home repair programs, which are currently underfunded. Read more about how ACEEE and advocates are pushing for increased governmental support. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
NOLA: Louisiana Future Energy Center, focused on clean energy startups, breaks ground at UNO
Solar Power World: U.S. utility solar market has grown 34% since Q2 2023
Associated Press: The Fed is set to cut interest rates for the first time in 4 years
Digital
Water-challenged state uses AI, satellites to find leaks. In 2022, New Mexico faced a major water supply disruption due to a leak in its aging infrastructure. In response, New Mexico launched a 50-year plan to tackle water scarcity by leveraging AI and satellite technology to detect water leaks. The Hydro Delta project aims to conserve water and improve infrastructure, benefiting municipalities and reducing costs. Read more about how innovative technologies are being used to address critical infrastructure challenges and promote sustainable water management. (Source: Route Fifty)
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
