Achieving an equitable clean energy economy by 2050 and enhancing the Nation’s resilience to climate change will necessitate a significant acceleration in the modernization and decarbonization of the United States’ electric grid. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to greatly improve the management of the grid, one of the most complex and reliable systems on earth. According to the Department of Energy, beyond the grid, AI can also support a range of applications to help achieve our climate goals. Reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy requires addressing uniq ..read more

A major weather event is underway across the United States, with storm, flooding, and tornado alerts issued for the northern areas. According to AS, A significant weather event is unfolding across the United States, with storm, flooding, and tornado alerts issued for various regions. The National Weather Service has highlighted several areas at risk of severe weather conditions today. In short, severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are likely today in the southern Plains and Ark-La-Tex. Isolated severe storms may also occur in the mid Mississipp ..read more

For decades, U.S. Highway 59, a vital evacuation route out of Houston, has posed challenges for East Texas. In April, flooding on par with Hurricane Harvey inundated the region, resulting in multiple closures along the highway. This severed a critical evacuation path for numerous individuals seeking refuge from the deluge. According to Fox News, Texas has poured millions of dollars over the past 30 years into upgrading parts of the highway to interstate standards — an effort known as the I-69 project — with the goal of relieving traffic congestion, supporting economic development, improving sa ..read more

The grants, a component of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, will be allocated directly to local, regional, and tribal communities to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities and severe injuries among both motorists and cyclists, as stated by the DOT. With over 40,000 annual deaths occurring on U.S. roads, the department emphasized the urgent need for action. According to Transportation Today, “Bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers should be safe on our roads and streets, and the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action across the co ..read more

Philadelphia’s streets are set to receive a significant upgrade with the help of the U.S. government. In an announcement celebrated by city officials, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program will provide technical assistance to enhance the city’s infrastructure projects. This initiative aims to not only improve the streets but also create job opportunities, especially for communities of color that have historically been marginalized in the economic sphere. According to Hoodline, deputy Managing Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure ..read more

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, representing Alabama’s 7th District, disclosed the allocation of $7,830,500 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address contaminated Brownfield sites and promote environmental equity in Alabama. Beneficiaries of this funding include Craig Field and Gabriela Apartments in Selma, as well as the City of Montgomery. The grants were dispensed through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs, facilitated by President Biden’s landmark Bipartisan ..read more

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently sent a report to Congress detailing the necessary investments in clean water infrastructure, encompassing upgrades to wastewater and stormwater systems required over the next 20 years. According to Water Finance Management, the 2022 survey represents the most recent comprehensive and robust report on wastewater, stormwater, and other clean water infrastructure needs in the U.S., and shows that at least $630 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to protect our nation’s waterbodies. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NA ..read more

The Environmental Protection Agency is intensifying its cybersecurity monitoring of U.S. drinking water systems following recent inspections that revealed a significant number of inspected systems have inadequate cybersecurity measures in place. According to Bank Info Security, EPA inspectors have identified “alarming cybersecurity vulnerabilities” at drinking water systems nationwide, according to a recently published alert that highlights use of default passwords and single logins for all staff. The Safe Drinking Water Act includes an entire component – titled Section 1433 – mandat ..read more

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has declared the sale of 1 million barrels (equivalent to 42 million gallons) of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR), with the intention of easing gasoline prices as Americans prepare for the summer driving season and in anticipation of U.S. elections later this fall. According to Oil Price, bids are due by 11:00 a.m. Central Time on May 28, 2024, with revenues from the sale directed to the U.S. Treasury. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage the country’s petroleum reserves effectively and ensure energy security. By ..read more

Topeka secured the third-largest grant allocated for the initiative, following San Jose, California, which received $8.5 million, and Greeley, which received $7,917,600. The grant was distributed to 99 communities nationwide. According to CJ Online, funds will be used to develop a holistic, community-wide plan called the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and for demonstration activities in concurrence with the plan to inform future infrastructure investment. “By emphasizing safety impact, equity considerations, and collaborating with stakeholders, we are committed to creating a safer and more ..read more