Coal is primarily used to create electricity in the United States. For coal to create electricity, bituminous or subbituminous coal is burned, which turns water into steam that turns a turbine and creates electricity. Bituminous and subbituminous coal is found in abundance in West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. In…
Wind energy has been used for purposes of sailing and flying for hundreds of years. Wind energy can also be harnessed for electricity via wind turbines. Turbines, advanced from the previous windmills, use the wind to turn propellers that generate electricity, delivered to homes and businesses through transmission and distribution…
Since the first gas-powered automobile in 1886, cars have constantly advanced in efficiency, capability, and most importantly, safety. While the safety of the vehicles that transport us every day is often taken for granted, it is worth taking some time to reflect on several of the advanced safety features helping…
April is recognized across the U.S. as National Safe Digging Month. As the April showers wind down and the May flowers sprout up, it is important to keep in mind the lessons learned from National Safe Digging Month. While spring can be a great time for gardening and backyard projects,…
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: February 23, 2022 Contact: John Cassibry, jcassibry@aii.org South Carolina State Representative Joins Aii Advisory Council Charleston, S.C. (February 23, 2022) – South Carolina State Representative Marvin Pendarvis joins the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) Advisory Council. In this volunteer capacity, Rep. Pendarvis…
This blog series Technology Highlight explores some of the ways that investments in innovation lead to better outcomes for infrastructure and public safety. When technology advances, it often becomes cheaper, more widely available and accessible, and helps facilitate faster, safer, and greener projects. Aii has looked…
Broadband and internet access is an increasingly important. While broadband may seem less important than other infrastructure, it has enormous implications. Rather than causing overt damage and harm like potholes or excavation damage do, lack of access to broadband hinders economic growth, access to information, and participation in additional services like…
The past decade has seen the birth of many tree-planting projects. Countries, companies, and cohorts have committed to planting millions, billions, and even one trillion trees by certain short-term dates. These efforts are growing in popularity and may succeed in achieving multiple objectives, including combatting the effects of deforestation, contributing…
Washington, D.C, July 1, 2021 — The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) released its newest report, How the U.S. Moves Hazardous Materials. The report surveys the safety and effectiveness, climate impact, efficiency, and cost of the four available methods for transporting energy resources: pipelines, trains, trucks, and ships. All…
The rail system has been used to transport freight since the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad became the first to commercially transport passengers and freight in 1827. Since then, rail has become a crucial part of transporting goods, growing in economic volume moved and longer trains. The rail industry’s evolution has…
Washington, D.C, June 16, 2021 — The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) released its newest policy brief, America’s Top Infrastructure Challenges. The brief details top areas of infrastructure that need the attention of industry participants, state officials, and the federal government. Aii identified five infrastructure components that are most…
The word infrastructure can mean different things to different people. To some, infrastructure refers to the roads, railways, and other transportation systems that connect us. To others, it is the schools, hospitals, and physical buildings that are occupied by organizations that serve society. Both are correct, given that the word…
Potholes. Steel plates. Grooved pavement. Faults in America’s roadways seem to be increasingly common, as does the traffic from road work. The roadways that connect our homes, businesses, cities, and states are a crucial part of America’s infrastructure, but seem to be in terrible condition. Is it really as bad…
The relationship between pipelines and land is a central point of discussion whenever pipelines are in the headlines. Those who oppose pipelines may argue that pipelines infringe on private land, and those in favor of pipelines may point to the legal process designed to protect private citizens’ land from being…
The ground we walk on is covered with asphalt for roads, concrete for sidewalks, and is naturally decorated with grass, flowers, shrubs, and trees. Intermingled within are telephone polls, electricity wires, buildings, and other structures requiring power. We all understand that natural organisms have roots that ground them…
