ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 23rd, 2025
Nora’s Note
Restart. Rebuild. Reinvest. After a robust public engagement program, completed permitting, and the start of construction, a brief and very political pause ended with New York resuming work on its largest offshore wind farm. The 121-turbine Empire Wind 1 project, set 30 miles off Long Island, is back on track after the Trump administration lifted its stop-work order. Governor Kathy Hochul played a pivotal role in reversing the halt to push the project forward. That’s good news for clean energy, jobs, infrastructure, and local economies in New York. Empire Wind 1, along with the partner project South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, are expected to power 600,000 homes and generate union jobs in port construction, turbine assembly, and maintenance. ASC client Equinor, the Norwegian energy company leading the development, reports that the project is over 30% complete and on schedule for a 2027 launch. This isn’t just wind power. It’s momentum. It’s a signal that New York is still all in on a clean energy future that starts on and offshore.
Transportation
APTA’s new report reveals U.S. transit ridership increasing to 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reports that U.S. public transit ridership has rebounded to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, signaling a strong recovery in the sector. This resurgence is notable even as office occupancy remains at 52%, highlighting the essential role of transit in connecting communities beyond traditional commuting. Read moreabout the trends behind this growth and the investments needed to sustain it in APTA’s full report. (Source: Mass Transit Magazine)
Streetsblog: Not the same ol’ MTA: cost of upgrading subway signals is cut in half
The Well News: High-speed rail takes center stage at conference in Washington DC
The City: MTA eyeing another batch of ‘open gangway’ subway cars
Climate
Newsom moves to extend California’s carbon trade program.California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing to prolong the state’s influential carbon trading system, a key tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing climate goals. The proposed extension would impact how California-and potentially other states-tackle climate change in the years ahead. Read more about the legislative debate and what’s at stake for climate policy and the economy. (Source: Politico)
Inside Climate News: Wyoming begins exploring voluntary water conservation programs
Canary Media: Has Maine learned how to make heat pumps lower electricity costs for all?
The Guardian: Weatherwatch: how ecologists are helping birds adapt to climate crisis
Economic Development
Washington governor signs rent control into law. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1217 into law, establishing statewide rent stabilization measures. The legislation caps annual rent increases for existing tenants at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, and imposes a stricter 5% cap for residents of manufactured and mobile homes. These provisions are designed to provide renters with predictable housing costs, thereby supporting community retention and workforce stability. Read more on how the law aims to balance tenant protections with continued housing growth. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Gothamist: NYC wants to make it easier for nonprofits to own homeless shelters. Here’s why
Reuters: US recession no longer likely after trade truce, says Barclays
New York Post: A neglected area of Staten Island will get a fresh batch of new eco-friendly housing
Digital
Connecticut State Senate passes state AI regulations bill. The legislation mandates that people be informed when AI is used and provides limited rights to appeal decisions made by AI based on incorrect data. It also includes criminal penalties for deepfake-related abuse and calls for education initiatives to train residents in generative AI skills. Supporters argue that the State can’t afford to wait for federal action and must act to prevent harm, while critics warn of economic downsides and rushed decision-making. Read more about this AI legislation. (Source: GovTech)
Happy Eco News: Leafsnap app makes plant identification and care accessible to everyone
Forbes: This tech startup is using AI to help local restaurants
Route Fifty: Charm City bets on blockchain to reduce vacant properties
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