Saad Asad
@realsaadasad.bsky.social
Comms @cayimby.bsky.social. Advocacy at YIMBY Dems of SD. Previously Product Marketing @ U.S. Digital Response. Tweets on housing, climate change, and San Diego/California politics
ACC pushes bipartisan permitting reform to cut 4-year NEPA delays blocking clean energy & transmission.
Good framework—but don't gut environmental review to rush fossil fuel projects. Speed up approvals for renewables, housing, transit while keeping pollution checks.
Good framework—but don't gut environmental review to rush fossil fuel projects. Speed up approvals for renewables, housing, transit while keeping pollution checks.
ACC Action Policy Series: A Permitting Deal in Congress - ACC Action
Reaching a bipartisan permitting reform deal is far more complicated than simply acknowledging the need for change.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 11:50 PM
ACC pushes bipartisan permitting reform to cut 4-year NEPA delays blocking clean energy & transmission.
Good framework—but don't gut environmental review to rush fossil fuel projects. Speed up approvals for renewables, housing, transit while keeping pollution checks.
Good framework—but don't gut environmental review to rush fossil fuel projects. Speed up approvals for renewables, housing, transit while keeping pollution checks.
13 governors want permitting reform to speed energy projects—faster reviews, limits on endless lawsuits, expedited transmission lines. Same changes housing needs.
If environmental review blocks building what we need, streamline it for both energy and homes.
If environmental review blocks building what we need, streamline it for both energy and homes.
Permitting Reform to Unleash American Energy: The Art of the Possible
We are trapped in a mire of our own making.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 6:51 PM
13 governors want permitting reform to speed energy projects—faster reviews, limits on endless lawsuits, expedited transmission lines. Same changes housing needs.
If environmental review blocks building what we need, streamline it for both energy and homes.
If environmental review blocks building what we need, streamline it for both energy and homes.
San Diego's homeless count dropped for first time since 2020, but state cut the $26M homelessness program that helped.
Mayor Gloria wants funding restored while Newsom demands cities ban encampments.
Can't solve homelessness by defunding the programs that work
Mayor Gloria wants funding restored while Newsom demands cities ban encampments.
Can't solve homelessness by defunding the programs that work
Sacramento Report: What Mayor Todd Gloria Is Looking for From Newsom’s Last Year
More funding for homelessness services is a top priority.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 12:41 AM
San Diego's homeless count dropped for first time since 2020, but state cut the $26M homelessness program that helped.
Mayor Gloria wants funding restored while Newsom demands cities ban encampments.
Can't solve homelessness by defunding the programs that work
Mayor Gloria wants funding restored while Newsom demands cities ban encampments.
Can't solve homelessness by defunding the programs that work
Trump signed deals with Australia, Japan, Malaysia & Thailand to break China's grip on rare earth minerals—key for phones, EVs, weapons.
Good start, but workers need guarantees these supply chains won't just shift exploitation from China to new partners.
Good start, but workers need guarantees these supply chains won't just shift exploitation from China to new partners.
Trump Administration Advancing International Partnerships to Support Secure U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chains
This month, President Trump signed agreements with four governments—Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand—to secure critical mineral supply chains for American manufacturers. These agreements are…
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Trump signed deals with Australia, Japan, Malaysia & Thailand to break China's grip on rare earth minerals—key for phones, EVs, weapons.
Good start, but workers need guarantees these supply chains won't just shift exploitation from China to new partners.
Good start, but workers need guarantees these supply chains won't just shift exploitation from China to new partners.
UCSD now requires all undergrads to take a climate change class to graduate. Students can pick from 50+ courses across 23 disciplines.
Every career will be affected by climate impacts, from coffee prices to wildfire smoke treatment.
buff.ly/cDEULer
Every career will be affected by climate impacts, from coffee prices to wildfire smoke treatment.
buff.ly/cDEULer
November 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
UCSD now requires all undergrads to take a climate change class to graduate. Students can pick from 50+ courses across 23 disciplines.
Every career will be affected by climate impacts, from coffee prices to wildfire smoke treatment.
buff.ly/cDEULer
Every career will be affected by climate impacts, from coffee prices to wildfire smoke treatment.
buff.ly/cDEULer
Climate group says focus on nuclear and geothermal—technologies Trump actually supports—instead of fighting over wind and solar. These "clean firm" sources provide steady power that batteries can't match yet.
Take the wins you can get?
Take the wins you can get?
Despite Headwinds, One Climate Group Sees Opportunity Ahead for Clean Power - Inside Climate News
In a new report, Giving Green describes how advances in so-called “clean firm power” technologies and action on permitting reform can keep the U.S. on a forward path.
buff.ly
November 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Climate group says focus on nuclear and geothermal—technologies Trump actually supports—instead of fighting over wind and solar. These "clean firm" sources provide steady power that batteries can't match yet.
Take the wins you can get?
Take the wins you can get?
Early community engagement cut opposition on six major transmission lines through co-ownership and infrastructure coordination.
How to build transmission with communities, not around them
The U.S. needs to build more electric transmission lines at an unprecedented pace to connect and deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
buff.ly
November 22, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Early community engagement cut opposition on six major transmission lines through co-ownership and infrastructure coordination.
Prop 36 added 500+ people to San Diego jails—12% of total population. Most are drug arrests. District Attorney says 97% choose treatment over jail, but it's unclear if they're actually getting it.
Meanwhile, jails weren't built for addiction treatment and deaths are spiking.
buff.ly/bkW3nU0
Meanwhile, jails weren't built for addiction treatment and deaths are spiking.
buff.ly/bkW3nU0
November 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Prop 36 added 500+ people to San Diego jails—12% of total population. Most are drug arrests. District Attorney says 97% choose treatment over jail, but it's unclear if they're actually getting it.
Meanwhile, jails weren't built for addiction treatment and deaths are spiking.
buff.ly/bkW3nU0
Meanwhile, jails weren't built for addiction treatment and deaths are spiking.
buff.ly/bkW3nU0
Virtual comment begins 12:35pm sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
Clairemont Community Plan Update is now up for comment. Virtual comment will begin in about 35 minutes.
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
November 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Virtual comment begins 12:35pm sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
Clairemont Community Plan Update is now up for comment. Virtual comment will begin in about 35 minutes.
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
November 21, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Clairemont Community Plan Update is now up for comment. Virtual comment will begin in about 35 minutes.
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
The plan would allow up to 14,000 more homes.
ZOOM:
sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
Methane from cows and gas leaks heats the planet 80 times faster than CO2. Now thawing Arctic permafrost is releasing even more.
Scientists are testing whether we can scrub methane from the air—a backup plan if natural emissions spiral beyond what cutting pollution can fix.
Scientists are testing whether we can scrub methane from the air—a backup plan if natural emissions spiral beyond what cutting pollution can fix.
Megan Melamed: Why I Joined Spark Climate Solutions—Accelerating the Science of Methane Removal — Spark Climate Solutions
Megan Melamed, PhD on why she is joining Spark to lead our Methane Removal program....
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Methane from cows and gas leaks heats the planet 80 times faster than CO2. Now thawing Arctic permafrost is releasing even more.
Scientists are testing whether we can scrub methane from the air—a backup plan if natural emissions spiral beyond what cutting pollution can fix.
Scientists are testing whether we can scrub methane from the air—a backup plan if natural emissions spiral beyond what cutting pollution can fix.
VIRTUAL COMMENT STARTS NOW!
JOIN IN THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES.
JOIN IN THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES.
🎤 MAXIMIZE IMPACT: Show up Friday 9 AM!
💻 ZOOM: sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
🏛️ IN-PERSON: 202 C St, 12th floor
Questions? [email protected]
Plus: Clairemont Mesa vote details coming soon! 7/7
💻 ZOOM: sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
🏛️ IN-PERSON: 202 C St, 12th floor
Questions? [email protected]
Plus: Clairemont Mesa vote details coming soon! 7/7
November 21, 2025 at 6:39 PM
VIRTUAL COMMENT STARTS NOW!
JOIN IN THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES.
JOIN IN THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES.
Virtual comment will start likely around 10:40am.
An estimate, may be 5-10 minutes sooner or longer.
An estimate, may be 5-10 minutes sooner or longer.
🎤 MAXIMIZE IMPACT: Show up Friday 9 AM!
💻 ZOOM: sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
🏛️ IN-PERSON: 202 C St, 12th floor
Questions? [email protected]
Plus: Clairemont Mesa vote details coming soon! 7/7
💻 ZOOM: sandiego.zoomgov.com/j/1606830623
🏛️ IN-PERSON: 202 C St, 12th floor
Questions? [email protected]
Plus: Clairemont Mesa vote details coming soon! 7/7
November 21, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Virtual comment will start likely around 10:40am.
An estimate, may be 5-10 minutes sooner or longer.
An estimate, may be 5-10 minutes sooner or longer.
Portland built 50 miles of connected walking trails after residents pushed for safer routes between neighborhoods. Started with one guy and his dog noticing the lack of sidewalks.
Good reminder: infrastructure improvements happen when people actually show up and demand them.
Good reminder: infrastructure improvements happen when people actually show up and demand them.
Where Portland walks: How the city and community and built a safer trail network together - Smart Growth America
About us
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Portland built 50 miles of connected walking trails after residents pushed for safer routes between neighborhoods. Started with one guy and his dog noticing the lack of sidewalks.
Good reminder: infrastructure improvements happen when people actually show up and demand them.
Good reminder: infrastructure improvements happen when people actually show up and demand them.
Six transmission lines succeeded using early engagement and creative benefits: co-ownership with Tribes, coordinated construction, land conservation.
But reactive deals after conflict cost more time and money than proactive partnerships would have.
But reactive deals after conflict cost more time and money than proactive partnerships would have.
Beyond the wires: Community benefits from transmission projects
EDF & CATF report urges a new U.S. grid strategy: expand with community partnership to avoid delays, reduce opposition, and boost equity.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Six transmission lines succeeded using early engagement and creative benefits: co-ownership with Tribes, coordinated construction, land conservation.
But reactive deals after conflict cost more time and money than proactive partnerships would have.
But reactive deals after conflict cost more time and money than proactive partnerships would have.
Bipartisan bill would prioritize federal transit funding for projects with pro-housing plans—maximizing ridership and cutting commutes.
Communities define their own standards (affordability, by-right approvals, parking cuts).
Communities define their own standards (affordability, by-right approvals, parking cuts).
This Bill Would Help America Build More Housing Near Transit — Streetsblog USA
A bipartisan group is pushing a policy to incentivize transit-oriented development across the country.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Bipartisan bill would prioritize federal transit funding for projects with pro-housing plans—maximizing ridership and cutting commutes.
Communities define their own standards (affordability, by-right approvals, parking cuts).
Communities define their own standards (affordability, by-right approvals, parking cuts).
New Jersey and Virginia Democrats won governor races by promising cheaper electricity through clean energy expansion and holding utilities accountable for price gouging.
Voters want lower bills—clean energy delivers that faster and cheaper than new gas plants.
Voters want lower bills—clean energy delivers that faster and cheaper than new gas plants.
What Can Democrats Learn From Elections in Virginia and New Jersey to Win in Their States?
Americans are worried about high energy bills. In New Jersey and Virginia, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger just showed their fellow Democrats how to run and win on clean energy affordability.…
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 6:51 PM
New Jersey and Virginia Democrats won governor races by promising cheaper electricity through clean energy expansion and holding utilities accountable for price gouging.
Voters want lower bills—clean energy delivers that faster and cheaper than new gas plants.
Voters want lower bills—clean energy delivers that faster and cheaper than new gas plants.
Reposted by Saad Asad
What Would SB 79 Look Like Here?
Hi, all! Over the past two years, we have been working on an upzoning proposal for Somerville. With an new city council in 2026, it feels like a good time to move forward on it. In support of that effort, we hereby start a roughly weekly blog post series about…
Hi, all! Over the past two years, we have been working on an upzoning proposal for Somerville. With an new city council in 2026, it feels like a good time to move forward on it. In support of that effort, we hereby start a roughly weekly blog post series about…
What Would SB 79 Look Like Here?
Hi, all! Over the past two years, we have been working on an upzoning proposal for Somerville. With an new city council in 2026, it feels like a good time to move forward on it. In support of that effort, we hereby start a roughly weekly blog post series about upzoning in Somerville. We plan to cover a range of topics -- from open space to housing demand to affordability.
somervilleyimby.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
What Would SB 79 Look Like Here?
Hi, all! Over the past two years, we have been working on an upzoning proposal for Somerville. With an new city council in 2026, it feels like a good time to move forward on it. In support of that effort, we hereby start a roughly weekly blog post series about…
Hi, all! Over the past two years, we have been working on an upzoning proposal for Somerville. With an new city council in 2026, it feels like a good time to move forward on it. In support of that effort, we hereby start a roughly weekly blog post series about…
Rocky Mountain Power selected route without Tooele City input.
City used ownership of 4,000 feet of right-of-way to force litigation, winning $500K for nature park plus 130-acre land transfer.
Conflict worked but early engagement would've been cheaper.
buff.ly/Am7wHDy
City used ownership of 4,000 feet of right-of-way to force litigation, winning $500K for nature park plus 130-acre land transfer.
Conflict worked but early engagement would've been cheaper.
buff.ly/Am7wHDy
November 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Rocky Mountain Power selected route without Tooele City input.
City used ownership of 4,000 feet of right-of-way to force litigation, winning $500K for nature park plus 130-acre land transfer.
Conflict worked but early engagement would've been cheaper.
buff.ly/Am7wHDy
City used ownership of 4,000 feet of right-of-way to force litigation, winning $500K for nature park plus 130-acre land transfer.
Conflict worked but early engagement would've been cheaper.
buff.ly/Am7wHDy
San Diego County approving $500K for home decarbonization—free energy-efficient appliances for low-income households.
County Supervisors OK Agreement For Home Decarbonization Plan
The board voted in favor of an agreement with LA County on a program that features the voluntary use of energy-efficient home appliances.
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 2:50 AM
San Diego County approving $500K for home decarbonization—free energy-efficient appliances for low-income households.
🚨 FRIDAY 11/21, 9 AM: San Diego City Council decides whether College Area gets 17,750 new homes over 30 years—or stays stuck at 8,500.
SDSU students squeeze 10 per house.
Health workers at UCSD East Campus can't afford local rent.
Time to fix this! 1/7 🧵
SDSU students squeeze 10 per house.
Health workers at UCSD East Campus can't afford local rent.
Time to fix this! 1/7 🧵
November 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
🚨 FRIDAY 11/21, 9 AM: San Diego City Council decides whether College Area gets 17,750 new homes over 30 years—or stays stuck at 8,500.
SDSU students squeeze 10 per house.
Health workers at UCSD East Campus can't afford local rent.
Time to fix this! 1/7 🧵
SDSU students squeeze 10 per house.
Health workers at UCSD East Campus can't afford local rent.
Time to fix this! 1/7 🧵
San Diego County plans 60 sleeping cabins in East County ($11M) offering privacy over crowded shelters. Lived-experience advocates say dignity matters—but permanent housing supply remains the bottleneck.
NIMBYs oppose it.
NIMBYs oppose it.
County to move forward with plans to build cabins for homeless people in East County
Late last month, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors authorized negotiations for the purchase of a Caltrans lot in Lemon Grove, where 60 sleeping cabins would be placed.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 11:50 PM
San Diego County plans 60 sleeping cabins in East County ($11M) offering privacy over crowded shelters. Lived-experience advocates say dignity matters—but permanent housing supply remains the bottleneck.
NIMBYs oppose it.
NIMBYs oppose it.
Nuclear provides zero-carbon electricity 24/7, unlike solar and wind. Twenty-two countries pledged to triple it by 2050, but barely any new reactors are getting built.
Why?
Banks won't finance them and permits take decades. Need government loan guarantees to de-risk.
Why?
Banks won't finance them and permits take decades. Need government loan guarantees to de-risk.
Nuclear energy stocktake: At COP30, momentum meets regulatory and financing realities
From Washington to Brussels, governments are increasingly placing nuclear energy at the heart of their clean energy and industrial strategies.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Nuclear provides zero-carbon electricity 24/7, unlike solar and wind. Twenty-two countries pledged to triple it by 2050, but barely any new reactors are getting built.
Why?
Banks won't finance them and permits take decades. Need government loan guarantees to de-risk.
Why?
Banks won't finance them and permits take decades. Need government loan guarantees to de-risk.
Del Sur HOA uses 400 sheep and goats to clear fire-prone vegetation—costs less than hand crews and improves soil health. "Fire doesn't stop at a property line," so they graze beyond required areas. Pays for itself and builds community support.
buff.ly/Qolm2qh
buff.ly/Qolm2qh
November 18, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Del Sur HOA uses 400 sheep and goats to clear fire-prone vegetation—costs less than hand crews and improves soil health. "Fire doesn't stop at a property line," so they graze beyond required areas. Pays for itself and builds community support.
buff.ly/Qolm2qh
buff.ly/Qolm2qh
Tijuana River flows year-round with sewage—1,300 days of beach closures in Imperial Beach. NAFTA drew factories and workers faster than infrastructure could keep up.
Now residents smell hydrogen sulfide daily and can't escape.
Now residents smell hydrogen sulfide daily and can't escape.
Sea Level Rise, Part 5: The environment sees no borders - Local News Matters
TODAY, WE HAVE PART FIVE in a seven-part series looking at sea level rise in California. From the San Diego / Tijuana Border all the way up to Humboldt
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Tijuana River flows year-round with sewage—1,300 days of beach closures in Imperial Beach. NAFTA drew factories and workers faster than infrastructure could keep up.
Now residents smell hydrogen sulfide daily and can't escape.
Now residents smell hydrogen sulfide daily and can't escape.