Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

More than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

NYC congestion pricing revived with some alterations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived congestion pricing after a five-month pause. The program's biggest change is a $9 toll, down from $15 but by 2…

A report from the Maryland Public Interest Research Group anticipates future emissions reductions will come from the transportation and industrial sectors. (Adobe Stock / AI-generated)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Report: MD leads nation in greenhouse gas reduction

New research finds Maryland leading the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Protection Agency data show between 2005 and 2022…

The federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program has issued almost $40 million in grants for repairs and improvements to Indiana rail lines. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Federal Infrastructure Act grants aimed at Indiana regional rail improvements

A federal program for infrastructure improvements has awarded Indiana rail lines almost $40 million in grants for major rail projects across the state…

Illinois companies will expand a portion of track through the Springfield area to provide a higher speed intercity passenger rail connection for Amtrak's service between Chicago and St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

Springfield gets federal grant to complete local, regional rail improvements

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year on improvements to railroad infrastructure in and around Illinois' capital city. Springfield has …

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

In Connecticut, 818,000 electric vehicles are registered per 100,000 people. Nationally, between 2020 and 2023, EV sales grew from 300,000 to 1.6 million. (Adobe Stock)

Misconceptions keep CT drivers from getting EVs

Misinformation about electric vehicles is keeping more of them from being on Connecticut roads. Owners of the state's more than 31,000 registered …

In North Carolina, New Markets Tax Credits administered by Self-Help Ventures Fund have transformed communities through projects like Durham's American Tobacco Campus, Greensboro's Revolution Mill and the Renaissance Shops at Phillips Avenue. (Adobe Stock)

Community projects across NC to be fueled by new access to federal support

Health care providers and schools across North Carolina could soon benefit from tax credits to help projects get off the ground and serve thousands of…

Between 2022 and 2023, Missouri experienced a 12% increase in overall homelessness and a 24% rise in unsheltered homelessness. (FollowTheFlow/Adobe Stock)

MO mayor, once homeless, now leads fight for homeless

Once homeless and suffering from addictions himself, Joplin's mayor now leads a crusade to help others overcome the same hardships. About 53,000 …

UT electric provider taps into potential of 'virtual' power plants

By Robert Zullo for the Utah News Dispatch part of States Newsroom.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solut…

Sioux Falls and Pierre both scored well on AARP's 2024 Livability Index, with particularly high rankings on the

Sioux Falls, Pierre rank high in the nation for 'livability'

Two South Dakota cities scored well this year on a national ranking of livable communities. In AARP's 2024 Livability Index, Pierre ranked 15th in …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

The City of Dearborn has partnered with others in Wayne County to apply for and implement several federal programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor prioritizes health, climate with 'health-in-all-policies' plan

The mayor of Dearborn has adopted a "health-in-all-policies" approach, a pledge to prioritize health, environmental justice and climate action in …

A New York State Comptroller report found New York City had the highest rental cost burden in the state between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

NYC legislation gives communities more control over housing

A package of New York City bills can help preserve affordable housing. The Community Land Act creates more pathways for communities to purchase and …

Pennsylvania has been allocated $1.6 billion to expand high-speed internet access statewide. The investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already led to savings for more than 764,000 Pennsylvania households on their monthly internet bills. (Zimmytws/Adobe)

PA Lehigh Valley economic stability at risk with Project 2025 proposals

Ahead of tomorrow's presidential election, a nonprofit is raising concerns Project 2025 and its proposed rollback of federal aid could disrupt …

A 2023 Siena College poll showed 77% of New York State residents feel the lack of affordable housing is a major problem. (Adobe Stock)

Corporate landlords a big part of NY affordable housing crisis

New York's affordable housing crisis is being made worse by corporate landlords, according to groups trying to reform the system. The state …

The State of Colorado supported Solid Power's early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, which supports the development of early-stage technologies. (Adobe Stock)

$50 million Biden IRA funding goes to Thornton-based EV battery maker

The Biden Administration is investing $50 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Colorado to produce more batteries to power electric vehicles…

New York State saw higher rates of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased in 2023 than in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

NY, US face misinformation about electric vehicles

Despite their growing popularity, consumers in New York and nationwide still face misconceptions about electric vehicles. One of the most pervasive …

Michigan has become a strategic choice for battery and automotive component production, due to its strong automotive workforce and technical infrastructure. (Darunrat/Adobe Stock)

EV advocates take on 'misinformation' in Michigan

Advocates of electric vehicles are countering what they call misleading claims about the effects of EV production in Michigan. Critics of electric …

According to Hispanic Access, an urban canopy provides enormous benefits, from reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering energy bills to absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

'Nuestros Bosques' to boost urban green spaces in disadvantaged communities

A national nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino communities and improving access to public resources has launched a $10 million initiative to incr…

The American Federation of Government Employees is the largest union, representing 750,000 federal and District of Columbia government workers. It advocates for the rights and interests of public service workers across the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Stakes high for GA government workers in Nov. 5 elections

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, union members are working to make sure their voices are heard at the polls. In Georgia, some federal workers are …

Officials in small Iowa towns held a listening session with federal officials to better understand the process for accessing federal funding. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Iowa towns face barriers to accessing federal money

Leaders in Iowa's small towns sometimes express frustration when trying to get help from the federal government. Local and federal officials met …

The transition from diesel school buses to electric ones has been several years in the making. (California Energy Commission)

Thousands of clean air school buses in CA hit the road this semester

By Hannah Wallace for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

As heat persists in AZ, Tempe city leaders celebrate environmental investments

As the end of October approaches, parts of Arizona are still grappling with relentless heat, which is why environmental advocates are congratulating …

According to the USDA, there are 2,850 slaughterhouses in the U.S., not including facilities slaughtering poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Milwaukee group vigilant about WI slaughterhouse projects

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Col…

Three sinks show wastewater after it goes through each purification step at a water treatment plant in Orange County, Calif. (Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline)

Colorado water districts explore methods to recycle sewage water

Colorado is one of a handful of states to allow water utilities to purify sewage for use as tap water and cities like Castle Rock are preparing to mak…

According to Climate Power, Michigan leads the nation for Inflation Reduction Act projects, which have resulted in more than $25 billion in new investments across the state. (Focused Adventures/Adobe Stock)

MI city's clean energy plans await federal boost

In the aftermath of devastating hurricanes in other parts of the country, the Michigan city of Ferndale will soon unlock close to $370 billion in …

According to the U.S. Energy Administration, Illinois is the nation's sixth-largest energy-consuming and eleventh-largest energy producing state. (Adobe Stock)

Passive House standards: a solution for highly efficient affordable housing

By Audrey Henderson for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

During the Biden-Harris administration's Investing in America tour, $500 million was announced for the Interstate 83 South Bridge Replacement Project in Harrisburg, Penn. The bridge carries more than 125,000 vehicles a day over the Susquehanna River. (mikespixels/Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal investments deliver billions for bridges, highways in PA

Pennsylvania's landscape is undergoing a transformation, paid for with billions in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the …

Gas stoves emit toxic pollutants in the home, including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, and have been attributed to 15% of childhood asthma cases in Massachusetts, according to a study from the Rocky Mountain Institute. (Adobe Stock)

More MA communities strive for building decarbonization

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

When someone experiences a stroke, 1.9 billion brain cells are lost during every minute, according to Jefferson Health. (Adobe Stock)

'Time is brain': New program streamlines stroke care in SD

When it comes to stroke care, experts say, "time is brain." Now, a program launching in South Dakota will coordinate and strengthen stroke care …

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

An initiative on November's ballot in Washington state could slow the transition to electric equipment like heat pumps. (nikomsolftwaer/Adobe Stock)

Diverse coalition opposes WA ballot measure rolling back natural gas transition

A diverse coalition of groups is opposing an initiative in Washington that could upend the state's push to make buildings greener and more efficient…

Amtrak is introducing new trains with a focus on safety, passenger comfort, reliability and sustainability. (VPRA)

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority speeds toward modernized, dedicated system

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is leading efforts to modernize and expand the state's passenger rail system, with significant projects …

The nonprofit Greater Indiana predicts sales of electric vehicles will equal almost 30% of all new car sales in the state in the year 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More prospective tax breaks for EV charging infrastructure

Electric vehicles are considered one solution for a cleaner environment and Indiana has just over 26,000 EVs already on the road. Energy officials …

Around 74% of Arizona's electric vehicles are Teslas, according to Recurrent. (Adobe Stock)

It's National Drive Electric Week, AZ's EV sector grows

It is National Drive Electric Week and the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund wants to raise awareness about the benefits electric …

In 1979, cuts to Amtrak included the discontinuation of a long multistate route running through the southern half of North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

A reunion nearly 50 years in the making? ND eyes possible Amtrak route return

This week, federal officials announced a new round of funding for passenger rail projects. It is part of a larger push to expand and restore service…

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

Wildfire seasons are projected to get longer in coming years in Colorado and across the Mountain West. (Adobe Stock)

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Colorado lawmakers are digging into the health and economic impacts of the state's poor air quality from wildfire smoke and ozone pollution created by…

Electric motors are able to convert up to 85% of the energy they burn into motion, compared with less than 40% with a combustion engin, according to Earthjustice. (Adobe Stock)

Expert calls electric vehicles better for environment

Nevada is home to North America's largest lithium deposit, a needed metal for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. And while some argue EVs are …

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has denied he would sign a national abortion ban if elected president and would leave limits on abortion access up to individual states to decide. (Nicholas J. Klein/Adobe Stock)

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

In Ohio's 43rd House District race in Toledo, candidates are discussing a range of issues of interest to their constituents. Incumbent Rep. Michele …

The GIANT Company and the nonprofit organization Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provided more than $108,000 in funding to support 32 different tree planting projects. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)<br />

Grant funding boosts tree planting efforts in Lancaster, PA

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is making significant strides in Pennsylvania's environmental efforts. A $4,000 grant from The GIANT …

Just one-third of Latinos live within walking distance of a park, compared to half of all white Americans who can easily access green spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

Communities in Colorado and across the U.S. are making time to connect with nature during Hispanic Heritage Month. Hilda Berganza, climate manager …

Toledo's Dorr Street once boasted more than 130 businesses between Collingwood Blvd. and Detroit Ave., including retail shops, restaurants, lodging, medical offices, entertainment venues, and services like auto repair, laundry and beauty salons. (Wikimedia Commons)

Local leaders revive Toledo’s historic 'Black Wall Street'

Toledo's historic Dorr Street Corridor was once the beating heart of Black culture, wealth and business in the city. Now, community leaders and local …

The electric vehicle stations will have both fast and slow charging ports. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

EV charging stations coming to NW Arkansas

The Ozark Regional Transit Authority will use a $14.9 million federal grant to build electric vehicle charging stations around northwest Arkansas…

Data from the Electric School Bus Initiative finds Virginia is one of the top states to own and purchase clean school buses. (Adobe Stock)

VA sees more school districts shift to clean buses

Virginia kids are heading back to school in a more environmentally friendly way. School districts and counties statewide are making the switch to …

In August, Steelton-Highspire became the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate a fully electric fleet, and the first in the country to have its entire bus fleet supported by a solar array. (Steelton-Highspire School District)

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some $900 million from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program …

E-scooter companies say shared micromobility can be made safer if more people wear helmets, streets are properly maintained, and more cities add protected bike lanes. (Bondariev Volodymyr/Adobe Stock)<br />

8 years into America’s e-scooter experiment, what have we learned?

By Syris Valentine for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service, reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

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Urban Planning and Transportation