ASC's Intersections Newsletter — September 6th, 2024
Nora’s Note
Powering New York State. Yesterday, led by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), leaders from across the energy industry convened in Syracuse, New York for the New York Future Energy Economy Summit. Achieving New York’s ambitious climate goals will require a collaboration among the public and private sectors, community organizations, research institutions, and communities across the state to enact a just transition to renewables and meet continuously growing energy demand. This week’s Summit collected more than 500 in-person and online to launch a refreshed, mission-driven collective, and we’re already seeing action steps; in fact, a blueprint document now available online for feedback is the very first outcome of the gathering. Getting this right will also require new ways to inform, involve, and engage the public—and at ASC, we couldn’t be more excited about the chance to help ensure the public is at the planning table for the changes ahead. There is much work ahead to achieve the clean energy future we need, and New York is all in.
Transportation
NYC's Open Streets program will expand to more than 70 schools, officials say. The Open Streets program was officially codified in the spring of 2024 to transform select streets into open spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, business, and promote community building activities. To support the expansion of the Open Streets program to 71 additional schools next year, DOT will be committing funding to schools directly to help maintain and manage their Open Streets through the Pubic Space Equity Program (PSEP). Read more about the benefits of Open Streets in the city. (Source: Gothamist)
ESG Dive: Low-carbon materials a ‘huge opportunity’ to green the transportation sector
AmNY: City will build 600 new curbside EV chargers across city through $15 million fed grant
Smart Cities Dive: NYC rezoning allows transit-oriented development around four new train stations in the Bronx
Climate
New state grant program means solar panels could bring deeper savings to cash-strapped Philly schools. Pennsylvania’s “Solar for Schools” program, with $25 million in funding, offered grants to Philadelphia schools to implement solar panels. The initiative is designed to cover about 50% of the installation costs, supplemented by federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. These cost-saving measures can then be redirected to other essential infrastructure improvements, such as updating HVAC systems. Read more about how the program could provide financial relief and environmental benefit to Philadelphia schools. (Source: WHYY News)
Inside Climate News: How a Technology Similar to Fracking Can Store Renewable Energy Underground Without Lithium Batteries
Route Fifty: Half a billion dollars in grants awarded to boost EV charging network
ESG Dive: Low-carbon materials a ‘huge opportunity’ to green the transportation sector
Economic Development
US clean energy jobs growth rate double that of overall jobs, report says. For the first time, the unionization rate in clean energy surpassed that of the broader energy sector, reaching 12.4%, driven by growth in construction and utility jobs and recent legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. The growth of unionization in the clean energy sector highlights a significant shift toward sustainable economic development, suggesting a robust future for job creation and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Read more about how this push can drive long-term economic stability and innovation. (Source: Reuters)
Route Fifty: How California crafts a public-sector skills-based employment ecosystem
Smart Cities Dive: New York’s congestion pricing plan may return with lower tolls after November elections
BNN Bloomberg: US Consumer Confidence Rises on Views of Economy, Inflation
Digital
States move to protect recording artists from AI-generated likenesses. States are advancing laws to defend workers from unauthorized AI replicas of their voices and images. Tennessee introduced the ELVIS Act, aiming to safeguard workers from digital impersonation. Illinois followed with legislation addressing AI misuse in various sectors, and California is considering similar protections. These legal moves reflect a growing concern over AI's impact on workers’ rights and the need for safeguards against technological exploitation. Read more about these developments and their implications for labor rights. (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
