The Latest
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Retrieved from UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the District of Maryland.
FBI thwarts neo-Nazi plot to attack Baltimore Gas & Electric substations, ‘completely destroy’ city
Two suspects were charged in federal court in Maryland with plotting to attack utility substations with firearms. Experts say the plan could have resulted in widespread power outages.
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Louisville launches asphalt art crosswalk pilot
The installations by local artists planned for April aim to improve pedestrian safety at four of the city’s major downtown intersections while showcasing its arts and culture.
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EVs reduce asthma, air pollution: California study
Researchers at the University of Southern California’s medical school drilled down to ZIP code-level data, revealing fewer electric vehicles and related health benefits in lower-income communities.
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Top 10 metro areas for construction starts
Even when adjusted for inflation, commercial and multifamily construction starts were robust in 2022 as projects moved back toward urban cores, according to a new report.
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What Denver’s climate office learned from early e-bike rebate enthusiasm
Mike Salisbury, transportation energy lead in the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, explains what inspired the program and how the local government adapted to a huge public response.
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California approves San Francisco’s plan to build 82,000 homes
More than half the homes will be affordable units for low- and moderate-income households, helping the region meet its affordable housing goals.
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Deep Dive
Whole Foods’ controversial exit from a Chicago neighborhood, explained
The chain’s experience in the Englewood community highlights the opportunities and pitfalls grocers can face in areas with limited access to affordable and healthy foods.
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US DOT launches roadway safety call to action
Nearly 50 governments, non-government organizations and private-sector partners have committed to taking specific actions this year to reduce roadway deaths.
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Transit agencies’ zero-emission bus adoption increased in 2022
California, New York, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts together added more than 1,500 zero-emission transit buses to their fleets.
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Florida Republicans propose state rent control ban with affordable housing funding and incentives
Senate Bill 102 would prohibit local rent controls and use tax incentives, gap financing and additional state funding to boost affordable housing. Affordable housing advocates say the proposal leaves renters vulnerable.
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More urban trees could prevent heat-related deaths: study
As extreme heat and its negative health effects become more widespread, researchers draw a link between increasing tree cover and minimizing mortality.
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Retrieved from GAO.
Federal agency seeks input on AV safety documentation
With the Department of Transportation pushing to reduce vehicle-related fatalities, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is weighing whether additional federal rules on autonomous vehicle safety are warranted.
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US DOT awards $800M toward street safety
The allocation comes from the first funding round of the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, part of the 2021 infrastructure law.
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10 US cities ready for a ‘smart city future’
Tomorrow’s smart cities will have robust technology and green infrastructure, along with strong tech job markets, according to a report from real estate technology company ProptechOS.
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New Jersey adopts law spurring low-carbon concrete
Heralded as a first-of-its-kind law in the U.S., the policy will create tax credits to incentivize the development and procurement of concrete that lowers or captures emissions associated with the highly polluting industry.
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Baltimore’s B&P rail tunnel on track for $4.5B replacement
The 150-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel is the largest rail bottleneck between Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, according to the White House.
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ChargePoint, Stem strike EV charging and battery storage deal for highway corridor fast-charging networks
Combining charging, battery storage and AI-driven energy management will save money for EV site operators, the companies say.
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Deep Dive
To close budget gaps, transit agencies face hard decisions in 2023
Remote work, crime and reduced service are deterring riders and cutting into fare revenue, leaving agencies to look for new funds or cut service.
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New York City to reform zoning to add housing in Midtown Manhattan
During his State of the City address last week, Mayor Eric Adams also announced new funding to enforce tenant protection laws and expanded free broadband services for residents who live in public housing.
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EV transition not keeping pace with US climate goals: report
Gas-powered cars need tighter regulations for the U.S. to meet its 2030 emissions target, while not enough urban charging or utility upgrades could constrain electrification, one report author said.
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Office conversions will soar this year: report
Apartments have made up one-third of office conversion activity since 2016, according to a report by commercial real estate firm CBRE.
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Retrieved from GAO.
FTA makes $21B available to transit agencies, communities
The public transportation funding for the 2023 fiscal year could enable new bus and rail car purchases, help with repair backlogs, and support fleet modernization and adoption of climate-friendly technologies.
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DC launches public shared micromobility dashboard
The District of Columbia also announced that VeoRide would operate shared electric scooters and bikes in the city, but Helbiz and Bird will not.
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7 projects to watch in 2023
From an NFL stadium to a major airport expansion and a massive manufacturing plant, these high-profile, high-impact projects are expected to hit significant milestones this year.
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Shared-Use Mobility Center highlights opportunities for micromobility in city climate action plans
The role of micromobility is not discussed much in climate action plans, but that could be improved going forward, one Shared-Use Mobility Center representative explained during a webinar last week.