The state of Oregon has been hit hard by wildfires in recent days, prompting Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act on multiple occasions. The widespread fires were sparked by thousands of lightning storms, resulting in the formation of 100 new blazes in the state. In a press briefing, Kotek expressed concern over
Politics
An Oklahoma judge recently issued a permanent injunction against a state law that targeted investment banks for divestment purposes. The law, known as the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act, led to the banning of four investment banks from underwriting municipal bonds. Judge Sheila Stinson deemed the law unconstitutional and unconstitutionally vague, citing that it violated Oklahoma’s
California voters are placing a significant emphasis on environmental policy in the upcoming elections, with a recent poll indicating that it could sway their decision on who to support for president. A majority of voters are in favor of a $10 billion bond measure aimed at funding flood control and climate resiliency projects, highlighting the
When it comes to infrastructure costs in the United States, one of the contributing factors to the high expenditures is the lack of capacity within state transportation departments. A recent study conducted by economics experts from various universities sheds light on the relationship between state DOT capacity and project-level costs. According to Will Nober, an
The discussion surrounding pension investments in funds that prioritize environment, social, and governance (ESG) factors has been a topic of debate among state treasurers nationwide. While some argue that ESG strategies can help determine a company’s sustainability over the long term, others believe that it may introduce financial risks that need to be carefully considered.
Repairing aging bridges is a critical aspect of infrastructure maintenance in the United States. More than a dozen aging bridges across 16 states are set to undergo repairs using $5 billion in federal grants. These bridges play a crucial role in connecting various regions and are essential for the overall economy of the country. Transportation
The Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, Larry Fink, recently highlighted the major opportunities in private infrastructure investment. He emphasized the growing demand for capital and infrastructure, particularly in financing data centers for artificial intelligence and the energy transition. Fink mentioned that private capital will play a crucial role in meeting these infrastructure needs, either independently
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has solidified his commitment to completing his four-year term as the top official within the Fed Board of Governors, scheduled to end in May 2026. Despite speculation surrounding potential changes after this term, Powell affirmed his dedication to fulfilling his current responsibilities. This decision comes as Washington navigates the complexities
After the recent reversal of the Chevron doctrine by the U.S. Supreme Court, House Republican leaders have initiated a review of the environmental, social, and governance agency regulations put forth by the Biden administration. In letters addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, House
The Biden administration recently announced a significant change in the standards for public infrastructure built with federal emergency funds in response to the escalating climate risk. This new standard, which has been years in the making, mandates that buildings and other infrastructure constructed with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding must now be elevated higher