Posts – Page 76 – Environmental Technical Assistance Program Newsletter

Can Highway Construction Achieve “Net Zero” Carbon Emissions?

What does it mean to be “net zero” in the transportation world today? When talking about carbon emissions, it refers to achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere.

For example, the building industry has been working toward “net zero” infrastructure for years. According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are currently responsible for 39 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions: with 28 percent coming from operational emissions – from the energy needed to heat, cool, and power the structures – and the remaining 11 percent from materials and construction.

Though highway roads and structures do not have the same level of operating emissions as a building, “embodied” carbon from the construction process significantly adds to transportation’s carbon footprint. Embodied carbon is the carbon footprint of a material. It considers how many greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released throughout the supply chain. This includes the extraction of materials from the ground, transport, refining, processing, assembly, in-use and finally its end of life recycling of disposal.

The building industry now believes that embodied carbon in projects can be reduced 10 percent to 20 percent without increasing capital costs. One new study out of Sweden believes net-zero carbon emissions in construction supply chains can be reached by 2045.

But what exactly does this mean for highway and bridge construction? Many believe that policy is the starting point for significant reductions in carbon in highway projects. Globally, many countries are already requiring “net zero” infrastructure design. In Sweden, for instance, large transport infrastructure projects (roads, rail, tunnels) are required to calculate and report embodied carbon and monetary incentives awarded if embodied carbon is below a specified target.

Some state departments of transportation are already working toward similar goals. For example, the Hawaii Department of Transportation started a testing project in 2019 using a concrete mix injected with waste carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is mixed into the concrete using CarbonCure technology. The resulting product traps carbon dioxide in mineral form within the concrete and improves the comprehensive strength of the material.

The test project involves a pour of 150 cubic yards of carbon-injected concrete next to an equivalent pour of standard concrete mix on an access road for the Kapolei Interchange. This test will allow the Hawaii DOT to do a side-by-side comparison of the carbon reducing mix versus a standard mix to determine specifications for the use of carbon-injected concrete for road projects in the future.

“We’ve seen the benefits to CO2 mineralized concrete and will be using it when appropriate in Hawaii’s road and bridge projects,” explained Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT’s deputy director for highways. “The availability of environmentally friendly materials such as carbon injected concrete is necessary for us to move forward in reducing the carbon footprint of our construction projects.”

In an interview with Smart Cities Dive, Sniffen added that the carbon-injected material has turned out to be stronger and more workable, with no increase in cost over traditional concrete. “The overall carbon savings is significant,” he said. “We reduce it overall about 1,500 pounds into the environment. Now, that doesn’t sound like a lot, but really, that equals up to one car driving 1,600 miles continuously. So, it builds up quite a bit.”

How can such “embodied” carbon in highway construction be reduced? In general, highway designers can use Life Cycle Analysis based tools to determine the environmental footprint of a whole project and search for ways to reduce life cycle GHG emissions and other impacts through strategies such as:

Ensuring efficient use of materials (i.e. “right-sizing”)
Selecting materials with more efficient manufacturing processes
Minimizing transportation impacts through use of local materials
Using robust materials that require less maintenance, repair, and refurbishment
Choosing materials that can be reused or recycled instead of landfilled

Although there may be a learning curve and increased costs initially to incorporate embodied carbon reduction into construction decisions, it appears that the incremental costs of incorporating this analysis is comparatively small for the potential benefit it could provide. Complicated decisions and life cycle analysis must be done from the planning phase of the project through design and construction to significantly reduce embodied carbon and hit the “net zero” goal. In the future, these efforts will be driven by government policy and environmental stewardship of firms and contractors. It is inevitable that the wave of “net zero” goals in the building industry will continue to transition into the highway industry as well.

Report Focuses on Integrating ‘Tribal Expertise’ into Transportation Projects

The Transportation Research Board recently issued a National Cooperative Highway Research Program report that explores how “unique tribal perspectives and expertise” could boost tribal engagement in a variety of surface transportation projects.

Additional resources for this report – entitled NCHRP Web-Only Document 281: Integrating Tribal Expertise into Processes to Identify, Evaluate, and Record Cultural Resources – include a Quick-Reference Guide and a PowerPoint Presentation.

This NCHRP report concluded that – from the tribal perspective — state agencies need to make sure to reach out to tribes to learn what their research questions and interests may be and bring these into the research design for a project, as part of thoughtful, collaborative research.

In addition, state agencies need to be willing to work with tribes and have productive conversations, including the ability to switch easily between scientific jargon and standard language to build understanding.

One tribe interviewed for this research report noted that sometimes there are differences in perspective – something both parties, tribes as well as state agencies, need to overcome.

“It is important to talk through any challenges,” the tribe noted in its response. “The bottom line is that sustained communication leads to effective consultation and in turn to collaboration.”

This NCHRP follows several initiatives at both the federal and state level to improve the integration of tribal needs within the planning process for surface transportation projects.

For example, in October 2019, the U.S. Department of Transportation proffered a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that aims to establish a tribal transportation self-governance program – the result of what the agency is calling a “successful three-year negotiated consensus rulemaking process” between representatives of North American Indian tribes, USDOT, and the Department of the Interior.

USDOT added that “among the many benefits” of the proposed self-governance program is streamlining transportation funding distribution to North American Indian tribes – creating a “less onerous” regulatory framework while promoting greater self-sufficiency among tribal governments.

State governments are engaged in similar efforts. In December 2019, the Georgia Department of Transportation signed a new consolatory agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, and the state’s 20 federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes.

That agreement establishes a framework for approving all types transportation projects throughout the state – from widening highways to the location of new bypasses – while protecting ancestral tribal lands.

AASHTO Releases Earth Day Video

In recognition of the Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is releasing a two-part series entitled Recycling, Transportation and You.

Produced by Transportation TV, this series highlights how state departments of transportation play a major role in recycling asphalt pavement – long considered to be the most recycled product in America – as well as how old tires are broken down into small chunks and reused to make new asphalt pavement.

The series also examines the impact everyday Americans have on the volume of trash produced by the nation. Did you know that the average American throws away roughly five pounds of garbage each day? That adds up to 139 million tons of trash dumped into landfills every year.

Thus, this video series also includes recycling information for the general public in terms of bringing those numbers down.

Environmental News Highlights – April 22, 2020

A roundup of headlines curated for state transportation environmental professionals

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Environmental News Highlights – April 15, 2020

COVID-19

AASHTO Asks Congress for $50 Billion in COVID-19 Relief Aid for State DOTs – AASHTO News

Coronavirus: Flagler County officials worried about $6 million dune restoration funding – The News-Journal

Amid coronavirus restrictions on Dunes recreation, air quality managers monitoring changes to air quality – KSBY

Does air pollution increase risk from COVID-19? Here’s what we know – ABC News

Chicago Not Reaping As Much Air-Quality Improvement Amid Shutdown – WBBM

Air pollution down 38% in Indianapolis as Hoosiers stay home to stop spread of coronavirus – Indianapolis Star

ODOT Watching for Infrastructure Spending in Next Federal Coronavirus Response Bill – KWGS Radio

The Potential Role of Infrastructure In The Coronavirus Pandemic – Spectrum News

What the coronavirus pandemic means for Atlanta transportation infrastructure projects – Curbed Atlanta

New Research Links Air Pollution to Higher Coronavirus Death Rates – The New York Times

74 miles of Oakland streets will close to cars to give pedestrians, bicyclists exercise room during coronavirus stay-home order – San Francisco Chronicle

OU amid coronavirus: Student sustainability efforts on pause; quarantine shows positive impact to air, water quality – OU Daily

At the Curb: Coronavirus’s Impact on Trash and Recycling in Northeast Ohio – WKSU

Mass Quarantine From COVID-19 Mutes Urban Noise, but Earth Roars On – Interesting Engineering

Planning and development during COVID-19 – States respond with emergency planning legislation and changes to planning controls – Lexology (Australia)

COVID-19 Reveals How Micromobility Can Build Resilient Cities – Next City

Transportation and Climate Initiative moves ahead amid pandemic uncertainty – Energy New Network

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL LINKAGES

Middle Grand River Water Trail Development Plan Receives Environmental Stewardship Award – WSYM

Permit Extension Bill Up for Vote in Both Houses – NJ Insider

Bay Area sea-level report explores cost of inaction – Marin Independent Journal

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE

Resilient, Resourceful, Focused, Strong – Railway Age

Trump Touts Infrastructure Plan as Congress Eyes Expanded Aid – Transport Topics

Elaine Chao Emphasizes Need for Infrastructure, Safety Funds for Rural Areas – Transport Topics

What A Hotter And Drier World Means for Shared Firefighting – Bloomberg Green

A Resilient Pack: 2 Stories of Ingenuity and Compassion – NC State University News

WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS

Public comment extended on Lake Erie water quality plan – The Crescent-News

Dubuque seals state’s first pact to partner with farmers on water-quality goals – Des Moines Register

Ohio EPA certifies water quality for new GM plant – The Vindicator

UNH research leads to new drinking water standard in Granite State – Fosters.com

How SNWA safely protects the Valley’s drinking water – Las Vegas Sun (Advertorial)

Mississippi Levee Board Takes Strong Stand In Favor Of Backwater Pumps – Vicksburg Post

HISTORIC PRESERVATION/CULTURAL RESOURCES

Tax credits available to repair historic buildings damaged in Utah earthquake – The Salt Lake Tribune

Rising Seas Threaten Historic Houses – Architectural Record

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on draft plans for managing the historic Huron Island Light Station on Huron National Wildlife Refuge – The Daily Mining Gazette

WILDLIFE & ECOSYSTEMS

Agreement Reached to Aid Monarch Butterfly Conservation – AASHTO Journal

$24 million awarded to four local coastal restoration projects – WALA

California State Water Board approves key permits for KRRC dam removal – Herald and News

Forestry Department Seeks Public Feedback on 2021 Projects – The Corvallis Advocate

Indigenous celebrate victory against Dakota Access Pipeline, but remain wary of Judge Boasberg – Peoples World

NEPA

Alleged Industry Back Channel Blasted by Environmental Groups – Bloomberg Law

TVA Seeks Public Input On Proposed Expansion Of Mining In Illinois – The Chattanoogan

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Environmental Justice Immersion brings revelations from UP’s backyard – The Beacon

SEParating from Tradition: Justice Department Prohibits Use of Supplemental Environmental Projects to Resolve Civil Enforcement Actions and Eyes Additional Policy Change – JD Supra

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

E-Bike Rule Proposed for National Parks – AASHTO Journal

Program Matches Bicycles To Essential Workers Who Need Them In New York – NPR’s All Things Considered

Active Trans discusses why it’s not pushing to reopen the Lakefront Trail during pandemic – Streetsblog Chicago

Pedestrian crossings automated to reduce touch points in downtown Chattanooga – WRCB

Preventing Civilization’s Collapse With On-Demand Transit Service For Key Workers During Pandemic – Forbes

Reduced Traffic, Pollution Has Cycling Advocates Taking Notice

Reduced Traffic, Pollution Has Cycling Advocates Taking Notice – Spectrum News 1

INDIRECT EFFECTS/CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Methane Emissions Hit a New Record and Scientists Can’t Say Why – Bloomberg Green

Airport expansion not expected to fix pollution, noise – The Aspen Times

Social cost of carbon could further sway Virginia from fossil fuel power plants – Energy News Network

INVASIVE SPECIES/VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Great Lakes Get Extra Funds For Cleanups, Invasive Species – CBS2 Chicago

Could climate change shift the conversation on this invasive species? – WHYY

DEC, Agriculture & Markets announce seventh annual Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 7-13 – Niagara Frontier Publications

Hennepin County awards thousands in aquatic invasive species prevention grants to local organizations – Southwest News Media

Win a prize with Michigan invasive species bingo: How to play – Detroit Free Press

Invasive yellow weeds take over parts of Phoenix area – azfamily.com

AIR QUALITY

U.S. Slashes Carbon Emissions Forecast as People Stay Home – Bloomberg Green

Governor Northam signs Virginia Clean Economy Act – WWBT

How Burning Wood, Once a Viable Power Source, Fell Out of Favor in the U.S. – Yahoo Finance

The Solar Industry Was Poised for a Strong Year, But Now Demand is Plummeting – Bloomberg Green

Oil Companies Are Collapsing, but Wind and Solar Energy Keep Growing Industry – The New York Times

Low-income California communities enact plan to fight disproportionate air pollution – NBC News

NOISE

Redefining Noise in the Context of Hearing Health – The Hearing Journal

Residents, experts reflect on changes in noise during pandemic – Cape Cod Times

TRB RESOURCES

TRB Webinar: Designing landscapes to enhance roadside water management – Transportation Research Board

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES

4 Technologies Gives New Life to Archaeology – EET India

Mapzen Project Adopted by Urban Computing Foundation – Government Technology

SUSTAINABILITY

Urban Land Institute Earns 2020 ENERGY STAR® Award for Excellence – PR Newswire (Press release)

WASTE MANAGEMENT/RECYCLING

State recommends delaying food scraps ban, changes to recycling rules – VTDigger

Reduce, reuse, recycle – Union Bulletin

Hearing Out the [Entire] Community to do it Justice

Imagine a massive highway project in a highly populated area that calls for the removal of several clusters of homes. Or the closing of a community gathering spot or other popular open space.

Such happenstances often require the overview and input of a state’s environmental justice program. They set policy and require that the road’s builders convene with the community to learn more about the impact that not only the finished project, but its construction, will have on the daily lives of local residents.

“In these cases, you have to initially look at what the state department of transportation is trying to achieve,” explained Rashaud Joseph, civil rights office director for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. “Where environmental justice programs come into play are with projects that have to do with the holding of public outreach meetings.”

The key in these circumstances is gaining input from the voices of in community, particularly from those who may seem less involved.

“I try to get across to [the road’s builders] that Alaska DOT&PF has to hold extensive public outreach, so it’s important to let people know where meetings are held and at what time,” he pointed out. “If you’re in a low-income area and have kids to take care of, the DOT in whichever state can’t have the meetings at 10 a.m. and at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday ― in other words, when everyone is at work. That shuts people out.”

Another part of an environmental justice analysis concerns what perhaps unforeseen impact a project has on the community.

“While construction of walkways is required by law, one part of that construction might cut off bus access on a given road that, in turn, requires riders to walk to another stop that’s harder to reach for low-income citizens or those with disabilities,” Joseph said.

That’s part of the reason these programs are tied-in nationally with most environmental departments. “We cross-reference their information,” he added.

Oklahoma is notable for its demographic of Native American citizens. To recognize this diversity, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation implemented procedures throughout the planning, design, and National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process to ensure “that social impacts to communities and people are recognized early and continually throughout the transportation decision-making process,” said Leslie Novotny, the agency’s environmental project supervisor.

That process at the Oklahoma DOT, she added, includes early identification of minority and low-income populations during reconnaissance studies.

“Projects that affect the community more socially, economically and environmentally, such as a new alignment, will be accessed accordingly; and a plan of action best suited to serve the affected community will be created early on in the planning and design process,” noted Novotny.

That can include mail-out questionnaires, pop-up public involvement booths, and one-on-one meetings with community leaders.

She stressed that projects that may have a lesser impact on the community, such as a road or bridge closure, still require public outreach to ensure the Oklahoma DOT is not adversely affecting vulnerable populations.

The time of year of the projects can even come into play. “These situations are interesting since we only have winter and summer,” Alaska DOT&PF’s Joseph said. “We only have about five months to get our construction projects done, so we always have to see if we have any outlaying issues to examine.” “[The Anchorage] metro area isn’t so big that we have such pronounced issues. We have room out here, so generally, our citizens aren’t opposed to any transportation improvements,” he pointed out.

COVID-19 Spurring more Active Transportation Interest

As the novel coronavirus shuts down most personal interactions across the country, state departments of transportation are witnessing a transportation shift – rush hour is gone, passenger vehicles are gathering dust, and people are walking and biking.

States from Colorado and Indiana to Maine are reporting highway traffic decreases of 40 percent to 50 percent. Walking and biking increases are harder to quantify, but the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy reported that active transportation trail usage was up nearly 200 percent for the week ending March 22 compared to the same time period in 2019.

Even after life gets back to “normal” and highway traffic resumes, active transportation likely will play a larger part in many state DOTs.

“It may inspire us all to think outside the box about transportation policy, planning and investments,” noted Matt Bruning, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

It didn’t take a global pandemic for officials in Ohio to recognize that walking and biking aren’t just recreational activities. An Ohio DOT survey released in January showed 78 percent of respondents are interested in or already use a bike to commute or to run errands, while 79 percent said they are interested in or already are walking to school, work and other destinations.

The survey is part of Walk.Bike.Ohio; an in-progress plan to develop statewide active transportation policies. The plan, scheduled to be completed by year’s end, “will drive our priorities, our decisions and our investments,” Bruning said.

While Ohio is now building a walking and biking policy framework, the California Department of Transportation’s Active Transportation Program or ATP has been in place since 2013. Since then, Caltrans has funded more than 800 urban and rural biking and walking projects. In fact, in the upcoming biennial budget cycle, about $440 million has been allocated to the ATP.

While not all state DOTs have California’s fiscal muscle, starting an active transportation program isn’t necessarily about the money, according to Laura Crawford, who coordinates biking projects for DOTs at the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA).

“The big barriers we see to states’ developing a program are usually the political climate and staff resources,” Crawford said. “If this is something a DOT is interested in doing, but they don’t have the staff resources, ACA can fill that role by managing volunteers.”

Crawford’s focus is on the U.S. Bicycle Route System, a series of national corridors for bicycles. She works with AASHTO’s Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering, which provides consistency in route numbering similar to the interstate system. So far, more than 14,000 miles of routes have been established and signed in 27 states and Washington, D.C. The system’s growth is driven by state DOTs, each of which uses its own criteria to designate safe bicycle routes, Crawford said.

Kevin Mills, Rails-to-Trails’ vice president of policy, noted that the old attitudes of, “Well, we’ll build something for [active transportation] when we’ve got time to do it,” have changed.

“Really, that transformation is already underway and we’re seeing more state DOTs elevating active transportation as a real option,” Mills said. “When you think of the classic objectives DOTs have to meet the mobility needs of its citizens, this is a real bargain.”

E-Bike Rule Proposed for National Parks

To increase recreational use on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed on April 2 a new set of regulations governing the use of electric bicycles or e-bikes within the National Wild l ife Refuge System – a move that supports two directives issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Secretary’s Order 3366 to increase recreational opportunities on public lands and Secretary’s Order 3376 directing Department of the Interior bureaus to obtain public input on e-bike use.

The proposed rule also closely follows e-bike policy established by Director’s Order 222 in October 2019 that allows refuge managers to consider the use of e-bikes on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, provided it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.

The agency noted in a statement that the proposed rule defines permitted e-bikes as ‘two- or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operable pedals and a small electric motor of one horsepower or less.”

However, neither traditional bicycles nor e-bikes are allowed in designated wilderness areas and may not be appropriate for back-country trails, USFW added – noting that the focus of this guidance is on expanding the traditional bicycling experience to those who enjoy the reduction of effort provided by this new technology.

The USFW added that a majority of states – listed here – have adopted e-bike policies, with most following model legislation that allows for three classes of e-bikes to have access to bicycle trails.

Agreement Reached to Aid Monarch Butterfly Conservation

A “historic agreement” finalized between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Illinois-Chicago on April 8 will encourage transportation and energy firms to voluntarily participate in monarch conservation by providing and maintaining habitat on potentially millions of acres of rights-of-way corridors on both public and private lands.

Both signed an integrated, nationwide Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for the monarch butterfly on energy and transportation lands throughout the lower 48 states.

The USFW noted in a statement that those are formal yet voluntary agreements between the agency and both public and private landowners to conserve habitats that benefit at-risk species and that it integrated both CCA and CCAA programs so energy and transportation partners and private landowners can provide conservation seamlessly throughout their properties, where there may be a mix of non-federal and federal lands.

A CCAA is for non-federal partners only and provides assurances to participants in the form of an “enhancement of survival permit” that no additional conservation measures will be required of them if the covered species later becomes listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials supported this effort in a two-page letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior on March 12; seeking “expedited approval” of voluntary national CCAAs to further encourage the creation of pollinator habitats in highway rights-of-way – especially the Monarch butterfly.

“AASHTO salutes the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for approving this essential agreement,” said AASHTO’s executive director Jim Tymon. “This decision gives state DOTs the ability to meet their highest priority to provide safe roads for the traveling public while simultaneously safeguarding the health of habitat for essential pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly.”

“The regulatory protections provided by this CCAA allow transportation agencies to continue vegetation management practices with less concern that these actions will lead to an increase in the costs of regulatory compliance if the monarch is listed under the ESA,” the organization said in its letter.

The USFW said that agreement participants will carry out conservation measures to reduce or remove threats to the species and create and maintain habitat annually. And although this agreement specifically focuses on monarch habitat, the conservation measures will also benefit several other species – especially pollinating insects.

“Completing this agreement is a huge boost for the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators on a landscape scale,” noted Aurelia Skipwith, USFW director, in a statement. “This is a great example of how … working proactively with our partners in the energy, transportation and agriculture industries to provide regulatory certainty for industry while addressing the conservation needs of our most at-risk species.”

“By engaging early in voluntary conservation, utilities and departments of transportation can avoid increased costs and operational delays as a result of a potential listing. This provides tremendous value to industry and will also yield big benefits to the monarch butterfly,” added Iris Caldwell, program manager of the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Energy Resources Center, which will administer the agreement.

“Not only is this the largest CCAA in history and completed on one of the fastest timelines thanks to our incredible partners, but it also represents an extraordinary collaboration between industry leaders and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that can serve as a model for addressing challenges to other at-risk species,” Caldwell said.

Environmental News Highlights – April 8, 2020

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FEDERAL REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Transportation Investment Touted For Post-Coronavirus Recovery – AASHTO Journal

Pelosi says infrastructure may have to wait past fourth coronavirus bill – CNN

Could coronavirus bring back infrastructure week? – Roll Call

DeFazio pushes for infrastructure plan as next phase of relief – Land Line

DOT Opens Funding Opportunity for University Transportation Centers – Transport Topics

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE

Transportation in the Treasure Valley: ‘We simply can’t build roads big enough’ – Idaho Press

Transportation planning to the extreme for weather and climate change – TRB News

South Carolina DOT on track to invest $3.2 billion in infrastructure – Transportation Today

With traffic down, is now a good time to fix the potholes? – Atlanta Journal-Constitution

9 NC Resiliency Projects Receive Millions – Coastal Review

ITD responds to 6.5 magnitude earthquake – Idaho Transportation Department

Lawmakers look to infrastructure spending to help economy recover from coronavirus – Washington Post

Trump’s ambitious infrastructure vision faces Senate GOP roadblock – The Hill

How can public transport be more resilient to pandemics? – Metro

We’ll Need To Reopen Our Cities. But Not Without Making Changes First. – City Lab (Commentary)

Abnormally warm Gulf of Mexico could intensify the upcoming tornado and hurricane seasons – The Washington Post

SUSTAINABILITY

Northwestern recognized as a national leader in energy efficiency and sustainability – Northwestern University

ENERGY/GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

NHTSA, EPA Roll Out Final Fuel Economy Rule – AASHTO Journal

Adding Solar At Airports – PV Magazine

Decarbonization Is In – Building Indiana (press release)

Finalized SAFE policy slashes vehicle emission standards – PV Magazine

Oregon Transportation Commission Says I-5 Expansion Doesn’t Need Full Environmental Review – Oregon Public Broadcasting

RESOURCES

Building and Maintaining Air Service Through Incentive Programs – Transportation Research Board; Airport Cooperative Research Program

AIR QUALITY

The stunning impact of COVID-19 social distancing on air pollution – GreenBiz

Air pollution clears in cities globally – new maps – European Public Health Alliance

‘We have great air quality at the moment’: Utah’s inversion season is over – KSL

Solomon Bililign: COVID-19 crisis shows clear need for commitment to improving air quality – News & Record (commentary)

As Many Stay Home, L.A.’s Air Quality Is Better Than It’s Been in Decades – Los Angeles Magazine

WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS

World Water Report and Resilience Coalition Launch on World Water Day – International Institute for Sustainable Development

California rules anger water agencies, environmental groups – Raleigh Observer

Clean Water Advocates Applaud Immediate Statewide Moratorium on Water Shutoffs to Protect Californians – National Resources Defense Council

Public comment extended on Lake Erie water quality plan – WNEM

Fears for water quality after NSW allows coalmining extension under Sydney’s Woronora reservoir. – The Guardian

PROJECT DELIVERY/STREAMLINING

EIR released for Valley Rail Sacramento Extension Project – Mass Transit

Why National Environmental Policy Act Reform Matters for National Parks – The Daily Signal

HISTORIC PRESERVATION/CULTURAL RESOURCES

State Historic Preservation Office seeks comment on updated preservation plan – The Buffalo News

WILDLIFE & ECOSYSTEMS

Restoring San Francisco Bay’s Tidal Wetlands – KNTV

Forests’ hidden wetlands work for wildlife, water quality – Bay Journal

Water quality: Indian River Lagoon, St. Lucie River are gorgeous, but seagrass is wiped out – TCPalm

Bitterroot National Forest partners with ‘citizen science’ group to monitor water quality – Ravalli Republic

Farmers lead in watershed protection – Kenosha News

STATE NEWS

Environmental departments in N.C. face cuts amidst state budget uncertainty – Daily Tar Heel

Should California Throw Out Environmental Rules To Help Businesses During Quarantine? ‘That’s Not Happening,’ Governor’s Office Says. – CapRadio

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRB Webinar: Sustainable highway construction – TRB News

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

NDOT launches ‘Walk and Roll Wednesdays’ to encourage healthy family social distancing – CarsonNow

Making Cities More Walkable with Better Data and Technology – Government Technology

Trail Group Asks to Convert Roads to Paths for Safer Social Distancing – GearJunkie

COVID-19 forces mobility firms to dramatically scale back services – Intelligent Transport

Emerging Trends In Mobility With Annie Chang, SAE International – Transportation Radio

Have Bike, Will Travel: The Bicycle Makes A Comeback – Forbes (commentary)

Wounded, Not Dead: Micro-Mobility Struggles in Uncertain Times – Government Technology

New York finally legalizes electric bikes and scooters – The Verge

Cleveland Metroparks Closes Busy Roads to Cars to Allow More Room for Pedestrians and Bicyclists to Practice Social Distancing – Cleveland Scene

National Park Service Getting Around To eBike Regulations – National Parks Traveler

Duluth to increase pedestrian opportunities – WDIO-TV

TxDOT virtual meeting set on Hallsville sidewalks, bicycle path – Longview News-Journal

NDOT Launches “Walk and Roll Wednesdays” – Nevada DOT

OR: E-scooter companies ditch Portland, ridership plummets amid coronavirus pandemic – Mass Transit

Switching Gears: Making Your Bike to Work Campaigns Virtual – Association for Commuter Transportation (webinar announcement)

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES

Plan B For GPS III Ground System Approved For Everyday Use – C4ISRNET

Google will release maps data ‘mobility reports’ to show people’s movements in coronavirus pandemic – Fortune/Bloomberg

Mapping the spread of COVID-19 by sampling human waste in US sewer systems – WATE

Readers: Share Your Hand-Made Maps of Life Under Quarantine – CityLab

WASTE MANAGEMENT/RECYCLING

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy – Waste Dive

Facing uneasy budget picture due to coronavirus, Carroll County commissioners look to cut costs, raise fees – Carroll County Times

A roundup of headlines curated for state transportation environmental professionals

HOT TOPICS