ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 19th, 2024
Nora's Note
Every day is Earth Day. This Monday is the 54th Earth Day in the US, and this year’s theme, Planet vs. Plastics, is one we take to heart—even a few years back, plastic water bottles were commonplace at public outreach meetings—no more! Our hydration stations now feature pitchers of tap, boxed water, and wheat straws. Pollution and emissions caused by production and consumption of plastics, much like burning fossil fuels for energy, have a long-lasting effect on humans and wildlife. In fact, only 9% of the plastics ever produced has been recycled, and unrecycled plastics dating to the very first Earth Day are still polluting the planet today. Pulling on work boots for Earth Day activities in New York and across the US is a small step everyone can take toward the giant ones needed to turn climate issues into action in our community and around the world.
Transportation
Transit ridership up 16% in 2023: APTA report. Public transit ridership in the US saw a significant rebound in 2023, reaching 79% of pre-pandemic levels according to the American Public Transportation Association. This 16% increase year-over-year was more pronounced in smaller cities compared to larger ones. There were also variations by transit mode, with buses leading the recovery at 81% of 2019 ridership, followed by light rail (73%), heavy rail (subways/metros, 70%), and commuter rail (65%). Read more about why the public transportation usage uptick is significant. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
The Hill: Biden administration puts $830M to helping protect infrastructure from climate-fueled extreme weather
Mass Transit Mag: New NVTC report highlights importance of public transit to the environment
Daily News: Sen. Schumer announces $15M to replace Brooklyn’s Grand St. Bridge
Climate
EPA issues first-ever drinking water standards for ‘forever chemicals’. The Biden administration introduced the first national drinking water standard for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to reduce exposure for 100 million people and protect the environment. PFAS, present in various everyday products, contaminate soil and water, posing health risks like cancer and fertility issues. Nearly $1 billion has been allocated to assist public water systems in PFAS testing and treatment. Officials stress the value of clean water and public health, noting existing technologies and support despite cost concerns. Read more about limiting PFAS exposure. (Source: Route Fifty)
Reuters: US power use forecast to reach record highs in 2024 and 2025
Grist: The EPA’s first chemical plant rule in 20 years targets polluters in Louisiana and Texas
Albuquerque Journal: NM, AZ governors seek federal support on uranium mining cleanup
Economic Development
NYC’s big bet to train the black and brown climate professionals of the future. A new experimental climate education campus aims to train students from central Brooklyn in climate careers. The $65 million campus is set to open by 2028, featuring a high school surrounded by sustainable learning environments. The initiative underscores a broader trend of increased government funding for climate education, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges and pursue quality green careers. Read more the implementation of climate education on a grand scale. (Source: Next City)
Gothamist: NYC has 2K empty apartments for at-risk people. A new bill would use data to fill those slots.
Maryland Matters: Port aid, protections for highway and election workers signed into law
Smart Cities Dive: Biden has proposed ‘the boldest housing plan in a generation,’ his economic advisor says
Digital
DOJ mandates accessibility on state, local government websites. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a final rule dictating the requirements government digital platforms must meet in order to make their sites fully accessible to those with disabilities. This rule comes as an update to the Americans with Disabilities Act, due to the increasing use of the internet for the primary distribution of public information, documents, and polling services. Read more about the DOJ’s work with the ADA and the steps being taken to enforce the rule’s implementation. (Source: GovTech)
The Hollywood Reporter: How SAG-AFTRA’s AI Road Map Works in Practice
Axios: Google who? Gen Z is searching on TikTok, YouTube instead
Forbes: How AI 50 Companies Are Powering A New Tech Economy
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