LEDs Bring Energy Savings—and Light Pollution
As Washington, D.C., replaces existing streetlights with LEDs to save money and cut energy usage, it is running up against a problem—the streets are now too bright, and it’s impacting people and wildlife.
With Summer Coming Fast, Regulator Warns of Electric Reliability Issues
A huge share of the continent could be in for a summer of electricity shortages in the event of severe, long-lasting heat.
States Rush to Make Rules Governing CO2 Pipelines
Across the U.S., companies are building carbon dioxide pipelines. But the rules and procedures that determine whether they can be built in the first place vary widely among states.
States Differ Over What's a 'Disadvantaged' Community
The definitions states are using to define a disadvantaged community varies widely, and it is leaving many low-income communities out of federal funding for essential water projects.
Shovel Ready vs. Shovel Worthy
COMMENTARY | As state and local governments receive an influx of federal infrastructure funding, it is imperative that they think critically about future needs.
Proposals Floated for Streamlining Broadband Permitting
House Republicans and Democrats debated more funding, removing environmental reviews and putting a “shot clock” on approvals in an effort to get the $42 billion in funding to much-needed broadband projects faster.
Texas’ Water Infrastructure Is Broken, Jeopardizing Quality and Supply for a Growing State
Texas has more than 7,000 water systems. A fraction of them self-reported that they lost 30 billion gallons of water due to broken pipes and leaks in 2021.
Congress Used Money Slated for Clean Water as Earmarks
Despite a historic investment in water, states say they need the money diverted in earmarks during last year’s budget negotiations to provide clean water.
Cities Look to Solve the Construction Labor Shortage
Under a new program with the Labor Department, a dozen cities will work with federal experts to come up with plans to find much-needed infrastructure workers.
Low-Cost, High-Quality Public Transportation Will Serve the Public Better Than Free Rides
COMMENTARY | Everyone likes getting something for nothing, but history shows why the math behind free public transit doesn’t add up.
States Awarded $6.5B to Help Remove Lead Pipes
After shortchanging the states with the most lead pipes last year, funding was tweaked to get the money to where it was needed most.
Could Infrastructure Dollars Solve the Lack of Broadband in Public Housing?
Nearly one million households that live in public housing units do not have access to the internet, according to a new report.
Oregon Provides Child Care Support for Construction Workers
The program subsidizes child care in an effort to bring more workers into the construction trade.
We’re Back! Our Grand Return to Live Events
Route Fifty and GCN will hit the road with a new free event series to explore how cities across the country are building their future today.
States’ Role in Water and Wastewater Spending Secure, Says EPA
An agency official reassured state and federal officials that “states are very much in the driver's seat” in picking which projects to spend funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
In Race to Build Out EV Charging Stations, Some Cities and States Have a Leg Up
As the number of electric vehicles surge, a new ranking looks at the state of charging infrastructure and which cities and states are ready to receive them.
A Troubling Trend: Pedestrian Deaths Continue to Rise
The number of people killed on U.S. streets in early 2022 was 5% higher than the same period a year earlier, showing a dramatic increase over the last decade.
Biden Administration Recognizes States’ Role in Highway Spending
A new memo from the Federal Highway Administration that replaces one from last year explicitly acknowledges the role of states in deciding how to use federal highway dollars—allaying concerns raised by Republicans in Congress.
As Texas Booms, Local Governments — Especially in Small Towns — Struggle to Find Workers
A cascade of issues including inflation and growing distrust in government aren’t helping local governments hire for critical positions in public safety and utilities.
Putting Federal Aid into Local Hands Works, White House Says
State budget surpluses are a sign the American Rescue Plan worked, Biden adviser Gene Sperling told the National Association of Counties conference.
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