ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 11, 2025
Nora’s Note
Renewables Deliver Cool Savings. When temperatures soared across the Northeast this summer, clean energy came to the rescue. Rooftop solar systems delivered steady daytime power, meeting up to 22% of the region’s demand. As the sun dipped, battery storage stepped in to carry the load. Together, they saved ratepayers more than $20 million in just one day. In Vermont, Green Mountain Power’s network of home batteries and EVs performed like a nimble, decentralized power plant, shaving $3 million off peak demand costs. These aren’t theoretical solutions or future investments. They are quietly stabilizing the grid, preventing blackouts, and easing financial pressure on families and utilities alike. As extreme weather becomes more common, stories like this show that clean energy is more than climate policy. It’s smart infrastructure and it’s already delivering when it counts.
Transportation
New air quality stats dispel earlier forecasts for congestion pricing pollution. After the implementation of the congestion pricing in downtown New York City, new data from the Department of Health shows no increase and some decreases at key monitoring sites of particulate matter that indicate air pollution. Although early in the air quality tracking, the results add to a list of benefits congestion pricing has had on the city. Read more about air quality tracking here. (Source: Streetsblog)
Gothamist: Traffic deaths plummet in NYC, mirroring downward trend in murders
Mass Transit Mag: Maryland to advance redevelopment of State Center complex in Baltimore City through TOD project
AMNY: New DOT report: How NYC streets and sidewalks are undergoing an accessibility makeover
Climate
Atlanta is embracing a cheap, effective way to beat urban heat: ‘cool roofs.’ Atlanta has rolled out a cool new strategy for cooling down. These reflective roofs bounce sunlight away, keeping buildings and neighborhoods cooler. Unlike other cities that focus only on commercial buildings, Atlanta’s ordinance includes all new residential construction. The results? A potential 2.5°F drop citywide, up to 6.3°F in the hottest spots—and $310 million in energy savings over 35 years. Learn more about Atlanta’s cool roofs. (Source: Grist)
Inside Climate News: The heat that seared New York City’s primary voters is just one impact of global warming on elections
Canary Media: Is wind power finally coming to Maine’s remote north?
E&E News: How one carbon market is helping industry fight climate change
Economic Development
New York State is awarding over $750,000 to support decarbonization planning at 13 municipal buildings, including libraries, town halls, and fire stations. The projects, funded through NYSERDA’s Flexible Technical Assistance program, will identify energy-saving upgrades and help small communities prepare for clean energy retrofits. This effort supports broader goals outlined in the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Learn more about how local governments are planning for low-carbon infrastructure. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Inside Indiana Business: Ground broken on $50M workforce housing development in Elkhart, IN
Bloomberg: Denver city hall takes a page from NASA
Tahoe Daily Tribune: Interactive workshops to shape the future of housing at Lake Tahoe
Digital
Better digital literacy: The key to fighting climate conspiracy theories. Climate conspiracy theories are spreading rapidly during natural disasters, undermining relief efforts and public trust. During the 2024 hurricane and wildfire seasons, false claims flooded platforms like X and TikTok, with some alleging “geo-engineering” and political plots. Experts say improving digital literacy can help people better assess online content. Learn more about how misinformation spreads—and why digital education is crucial to fighting climate denial. (Source: Happy Eco News)
GovTech: Missouri’s fraud finder app targets SNAP benefits abuse
Route Fifty: How one school system is turning to AI to boost safety
MedCity News: Breaking the cycle: unlocking the untapped opportunities in healthcare innovation
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