The cost of freeing drinking water from ‘forever chemicals’
The EPA is set to limit PFAS in drinking water to barely detectable levels. Can water utilities meet the standard?
It’s easy to lose sight of the root cause of the housing crisis
It’s not big investors, luxury developers or federal mortgage programs that are most responsible for driving up housing costs.
How to prevent America’s aging buildings from collapsing – 4 high-profile disasters send a warning
Policies vary by state, but there are currently few widespread mandated rules for regular, structural inspections of entire existing buildings.
Governors propose spending billions on overdue infrastructure projects
In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
City officials plead for more say in how AVs are deployed
Autonomous vehicle companies often cut out city transportation agencies with state laws that preempt local regulations. City leaders say that “handcuffs” them as they try to manage traffic and curb space.
Biden administration announces $623 million in EV charging grants for state and local agencies
The grants, which come as part of the 2021 infrastructure law, are intended to ensure chargers are built in underserved or remote communities.
Local transit agencies mimicking Uber and Lyft are seeing big ridership gains
Connect is so popular that it’s having trouble keeping up with demand, even as the Minnesota legislature allocated over $9 million last year to build out Connect and similar systems statewide.
Berkeley’s gas ban is all but dead. What does that mean for other cities?
Despite another defeat in court, experts say cities still have plenty of options for electrifying buildings.
GOP lawsuit over CO2 rules attacks Biden administration for overreach, pushes climate denial
Joined by 21 states, the complaint falsely claims there is “no consensus” on the causes of climate change. One environmental advocate said the argument is “like suing NASA for saying the world is round.”
States warn of ‘Band-Aids and duct tape’ for road maintenance
Lawmakers seek new funding sources as gas tax revenues begin a predicted decline.
Innovative water treatment tech could help remove forever chemicals
The Tampa Water Department is exploring suspended ion exchange technology as a way to address PFAS contamination to meet new federal standards.
Why 2023 emerged as a banner year for passenger rail
Many efforts that had been in the works for years started paying off this year, but passenger rail advocates hope even better things are on the way.
Transportation must adapt to an aging population and a changing climate
COMMENTARY | State and local leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to deliver mobility solutions that work better for everyone.
Feds tout pedestrian, cyclist safety measures in new road design rules
The Federal Highway Administration released long-awaited updates to its manual for traffic signs and road design. The newest edition comes as the country is in the throes of a major upswing in roadway deaths.
Plans to install EV charging stations are about to run into an ugly wall of permitting and utility delays
COMMENTARY | We must overhaul dysfunctional municipal permitting systems and utility connection processes if we expect to install close to 7 million electric vehicle charging stations by 2035.
DEI programs at public universities targeted
Republican officials in several states are trying to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in state agencies and public colleges. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Should the EPA let Chicago have 40 years to remove lead pipes?
Some cities with a high number of lead pipes would be given more than the 10 years set by the EPA to replace them. The exception in the proposed rule is drawing criticism from residents and environmentalists.
Climate resilient construction helps mitigate disasters
COMMENTARY | Instead of spending billions of dollars on disaster recovery every year, we should be investing in resilience from the start. That means putting in place stronger building codes that incorporate proven, affordable climate-resilient standards.
States consider capping the cost of broadband for low-income families
The majority of proposals for how states will use their share of federal funding to expand internet service include provisions to limit how much unserved and underserved households can be charged.
Biden to invest $8B toward vision for nationwide expansion of passenger rail
The long-awaited grants for construction and planning show that the administration is unfazed by attacks in Washington over the popularity of passenger rail, with nearly every state receiving money.
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