Alex TD
@alextd.bsky.social
Program Director @ MIT. Climate, transit, sci-fi, toddlers. Opinions my own. Mostly lurking?
I feel so aged by this IHOP kids menu.
January 14, 2026 at 10:58 PM
I feel so aged by this IHOP kids menu.
Reposted by Alex TD
This looks like an indictment. It is. But I see it as a reason for optimism.
We don’t need to be exceptional to transform Americans' lives. We need to become average. The solutions exist. We see them working. We have to choose them. And that means fixing our democracy so that it delivers.
We don’t need to be exceptional to transform Americans' lives. We need to become average. The solutions exist. We see them working. We have to choose them. And that means fixing our democracy so that it delivers.
January 12, 2026 at 9:36 PM
This looks like an indictment. It is. But I see it as a reason for optimism.
We don’t need to be exceptional to transform Americans' lives. We need to become average. The solutions exist. We see them working. We have to choose them. And that means fixing our democracy so that it delivers.
We don’t need to be exceptional to transform Americans' lives. We need to become average. The solutions exist. We see them working. We have to choose them. And that means fixing our democracy so that it delivers.
Reposted by Alex TD
If there's one empirical insight I'd want everyone to understand about American politics, it's this:
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
January 12, 2026 at 9:36 PM
If there's one empirical insight I'd want everyone to understand about American politics, it's this:
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
Great - Now do gender-affirming care!
Big: Wyoming supreme court just struck down abortion ban.
And get this: The reason is a constitutional amendment codifying a right to make health care decisions... passed in 2012 by conservatives who thought it'd screw Obamacare!
Quite the backfire. We explained this lawsuit a few years back:
And get this: The reason is a constitutional amendment codifying a right to make health care decisions... passed in 2012 by conservatives who thought it'd screw Obamacare!
Quite the backfire. We explained this lawsuit a few years back:
How Attacks Against Obamacare Turned Into Tools to Protect Abortion Access - Bolts
Explore our ongoing Bolts series, Abortion Rights in State Constitutions. A decade ago, when conservatives were attacking President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act as government encroachment in hea...
boltsmag.org
January 6, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Great - Now do gender-affirming care!
Reposted by Alex TD
There has never been a moment when ending the oil industry has been more urgent or important. Here is a thread of seven tools that can help.
Brief, readable 2-pagers, and a 30-page overview from @michealpodgers.bsky.social at @clicabedu.bsky.social.
Brief, readable 2-pagers, and a 30-page overview from @michealpodgers.bsky.social at @clicabedu.bsky.social.
Transportation 101 Policy Guides - Climate Cabinet Education
Transportation 101 Policy Guides by Climate Cabinet Education: practical, accessible guides on transit planning, active mobility & multimodal policy for climate action.
climatecabineteducation.org
January 4, 2026 at 12:52 AM
There has never been a moment when ending the oil industry has been more urgent or important. Here is a thread of seven tools that can help.
Brief, readable 2-pagers, and a 30-page overview from @michealpodgers.bsky.social at @clicabedu.bsky.social.
Brief, readable 2-pagers, and a 30-page overview from @michealpodgers.bsky.social at @clicabedu.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alex TD
Fascinating bit of history in this thread
The retirement of the MetroCard at midnight tonight is bittersweet for me. In 1983, as a young lawyer, I took a year's leave of absence from my law firm to serve as special counsel to Richard Ravitch, chairman of the NY MTA. He gave me the task of leading a study ...
It's the final day of MetroCard sales—so as we say farewell to an icon, let's take a look at how it all started.
Thank you, MetroCard, for moving New York to the very last swipe.
Thank you, MetroCard, for moving New York to the very last swipe.
January 1, 2026 at 3:47 AM
Fascinating bit of history in this thread
Reposted by Alex TD
trump’s been sued by dominion energy over the offshore wind freeze
www.wkrg.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:57 PM
trump’s been sued by dominion energy over the offshore wind freeze
Reposted by Alex TD
One thing Massport can’t steal is our revolutionary spirit! Rather than waiting for Hanscom Field's would-be developers' hearts to grow 3 sizes, submit a public comment on their upcoming impact report (SDEIR) to save all future Christmasses.
Sign our petition @ SPJE.org/sign for SDEIR email alerts!
Sign our petition @ SPJE.org/sign for SDEIR email alerts!
December 22, 2025 at 2:21 PM
One thing Massport can’t steal is our revolutionary spirit! Rather than waiting for Hanscom Field's would-be developers' hearts to grow 3 sizes, submit a public comment on their upcoming impact report (SDEIR) to save all future Christmasses.
Sign our petition @ SPJE.org/sign for SDEIR email alerts!
Sign our petition @ SPJE.org/sign for SDEIR email alerts!
Reposted by Alex TD
21. And before team Yglesias responds by saying "yeah, but it's bad politics to run on climate and energy"... I'd point out that I've won 4 elections in a very purple district running on climate and energy. Pro-tip: leadership is possible! You don't have to be stupid to win!
December 20, 2025 at 4:12 PM
21. And before team Yglesias responds by saying "yeah, but it's bad politics to run on climate and energy"... I'd point out that I've won 4 elections in a very purple district running on climate and energy. Pro-tip: leadership is possible! You don't have to be stupid to win!
Reposted by Alex TD
This Yglesias piece in the NYT is horrifically bad. Almost every "fact" it cites is provably false. At best it is cocktail party banter from a pundit who knows nothing of energy. At worst, it was cut/paste from oil industry talking points. So, a rebuttal: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/o...
Opinion | Obama Supported It. The Left in Canada and Norway Does. Why Don’t Democrats?
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This Yglesias piece in the NYT is horrifically bad. Almost every "fact" it cites is provably false. At best it is cocktail party banter from a pundit who knows nothing of energy. At worst, it was cut/paste from oil industry talking points. So, a rebuttal: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/o...
Reposted by Alex TD
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
It’s the stuff you marinate in that shifts your views, intentionally (follow more trans folks and urbanists!) or not (RW background radiation)
The left needs more influencers who are mostly about other shit. That's what is moving all these young people right -- not "political content," but dumbass lifting videos & bro podcasts where RW politics is casual & taken for granted.
The Most Powerful Politics Influencers Barely Post About Politics
New research shows that social media creators have enormous influence over their audiences' politics—especially those who don't normally share political content.
www.wired.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:06 PM
It’s the stuff you marinate in that shifts your views, intentionally (follow more trans folks and urbanists!) or not (RW background radiation)
Reposted by Alex TD
This is incredible (good news too): “After a 40% fall in 2024 in battery equipment costs, it’s clear we’re on track for another major fall in 2025…The economics for batteries are unrecognizable, & the industry is only just getting to grips with this new paradigm”
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/b...
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/b...
Batteries now cheap enough to make dispatchable solar economically feasible
Energy think tank Ember says utility-scale battery costs have fallen to $65/MWh outside China and the United States, enabling solar power to be delivered when needed.
www.pv-magazine.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This is incredible (good news too): “After a 40% fall in 2024 in battery equipment costs, it’s clear we’re on track for another major fall in 2025…The economics for batteries are unrecognizable, & the industry is only just getting to grips with this new paradigm”
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/b...
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/b...
Reposted by Alex TD
Reposting because this really is an excellent thread.
December 12, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposting because this really is an excellent thread.
Reposted by Alex TD
In addition to all of the other benefits already reported about NYC congestion pricing, "In the first six months of the program, air pollution – in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller – dropped by 22% in the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)"
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Congestion pricing improved air quality in NYC and suburbs | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell researchers tallied the environmental benefits of New York City’s congestion pricing program and found air pollution dropped by 22% in Manhattan, with additional declines across the city’s fiv...
news.cornell.edu
December 9, 2025 at 2:19 AM
In addition to all of the other benefits already reported about NYC congestion pricing, "In the first six months of the program, air pollution – in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller – dropped by 22% in the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)"
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
The networked geothermal effort here in MA is a win on so many levels, and my favorite unique local innovation story (among some options). Congrats on this doubling grant!
The US Department of Energy approved an $8.6 million grant that will allow the nation’s first utility-led geothermal heating and cooling network (in MA) to double in size. www.canarymedia.com/articles/uti... 🔌💡
First utility-owned geothermal network to double in size with DOE…
The $8.6 million grant for Eversource’s pioneering project in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a rare win for renewable energy under the Trump administration.
www.canarymedia.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The networked geothermal effort here in MA is a win on so many levels, and my favorite unique local innovation story (among some options). Congrats on this doubling grant!
Reposted by Alex TD
Congrats to HEET for a segment on national news about the Framingham geothermal project. If you haven't heard of this trial of decarbonized district heat, have a look. We should be adopting this where ever it's feasible. @zeynebmagavi.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxe...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxe...
Unlikely alliance builds cleaner geothermal energy network in Massachusetts community
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
www.youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Congrats to HEET for a segment on national news about the Framingham geothermal project. If you haven't heard of this trial of decarbonized district heat, have a look. We should be adopting this where ever it's feasible. @zeynebmagavi.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxe...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxe...
Reposted by Alex TD
Reposted by Alex TD
Hiring Dr. Nelson is only a thing you do if you're serious about governing.
Honored to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social Transition Committee on Technology. For too long, too many New Yorkers have been left behind. NYC deserves governance that centers affordability, equity, and the public good-looking forward to the work ahead. www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announces transition committees
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of 17 transition advisory committees made up of more than 400 people.
www.cbsnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Hiring Dr. Nelson is only a thing you do if you're serious about governing.
Reposted by Alex TD
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Reposted by Alex TD
The truly maddening thing is that, unlike when I was a young man in science and the materials and engineering just weren’t there yet, the future is *right there.* The problem is *solved*. What’s holding us back is not just greed, but this bizarre nostalgia, an obsession with petro- masculinity.
Australia has so much electricity from solar power that it is going to start offering free electricity to everyone for at least three hours during the day as the wholesale price of power goes negative
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
Australia has so much solar that it's offering everyone free electricity
Australia's extensive solar power penetration makes so much energy that the government wants to offer free electricity at peak hours.
electrek.co
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The truly maddening thing is that, unlike when I was a young man in science and the materials and engineering just weren’t there yet, the future is *right there.* The problem is *solved*. What’s holding us back is not just greed, but this bizarre nostalgia, an obsession with petro- masculinity.
Reposted by Alex TD
What we know so far, 9:30pm
—Dems flip VA-Gov & VA-LG.
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani up
—Dems seem to flip 2 statewide offices in GA
—JD Vance's half-brother loses in Cincy.
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—PA: Dem justices up big
—Maine anti-mail vote measure down
—Krasner wins
—Dems flip VA-Gov & VA-LG.
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani up
—Dems seem to flip 2 statewide offices in GA
—JD Vance's half-brother loses in Cincy.
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—PA: Dem justices up big
—Maine anti-mail vote measure down
—Krasner wins
November 5, 2025 at 2:36 AM
What we know so far, 9:30pm
—Dems flip VA-Gov & VA-LG.
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani up
—Dems seem to flip 2 statewide offices in GA
—JD Vance's half-brother loses in Cincy.
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—PA: Dem justices up big
—Maine anti-mail vote measure down
—Krasner wins
—Dems flip VA-Gov & VA-LG.
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani up
—Dems seem to flip 2 statewide offices in GA
—JD Vance's half-brother loses in Cincy.
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—PA: Dem justices up big
—Maine anti-mail vote measure down
—Krasner wins
Reposted by Alex TD
YES YOU SHOULD VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW EVEN IF MAMDANI IS NOT ON THE BALLOT WHERE YOU LIVE
November 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
YES YOU SHOULD VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW EVEN IF MAMDANI IS NOT ON THE BALLOT WHERE YOU LIVE
Reposted by Alex TD
Bill Gates hasn’t made sense on Climate since he teamed up with Bjorn Lomberg in 2009. This is just a restating of Bjorn’s book from this year about how we have a finite amount of money and we shouldn’t use it for climate. What they get wrong is that climate solutions are now fully profitable.
Bill Gates has a new memo out calling for a “strategic pivot” on climate change, downplaying “doomsday” talk to focus on filling enormous post-USAID budget gaps in global health and vaccine funding. I got an early glimpse of his thinking last week:
7 New Takes From Bill Gates on Climate ‘Doomsday’ Talk and Global Health
“I mean, God bless the Europeans for caring about climate.”
heatmap.news
October 29, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Bill Gates hasn’t made sense on Climate since he teamed up with Bjorn Lomberg in 2009. This is just a restating of Bjorn’s book from this year about how we have a finite amount of money and we shouldn’t use it for climate. What they get wrong is that climate solutions are now fully profitable.
Reposted by Alex TD
“Now Scientific American has updated and re-released what it calls the “classic graphic” that shows that a human on a bicycle—able to coast, or freewheel, without pedaling—remains the world’s most energy effecient traveler.” @carltonreid.com on the re-release of the iconic graph in @forbes.com.
October 17, 2025 at 12:52 PM
“Now Scientific American has updated and re-released what it calls the “classic graphic” that shows that a human on a bicycle—able to coast, or freewheel, without pedaling—remains the world’s most energy effecient traveler.” @carltonreid.com on the re-release of the iconic graph in @forbes.com.