The city is considering a contract to purchase hydroelectricity from Quebec and might also provide funding for the energy infrastructure.

"Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration is stepping up its pursuit of a transmission line that would pipe Canadian hydroelectricity directly into the five boroughs — and it may help build the line to make it happen," report Danille Muoio and Joe Anuta. Officials are looking to purchase hydropower from Champlain Hudson Power Express and possibly loaning the $3 billion needed for the transmission line from Quebec to New York City.
"For an administration that has cast itself as a leader in fighting climate change, drawing power from an existing hydroelectric plant seems to fit into its plan to reduce carbon emissions," notes Muoio and Anuta.
But the plan is also facing criticism on a number of fronts. Environmental advocates say that hydroelectric dams damage the environment and that renewable energy plans should involve investment in local communities. Citizens advocacy have also raised concerns about whether the city should be financing the project instead of the New York Power Authority.
FULL STORY: New York City may finance power line in push for Quebec hydro

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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