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Skip Descant

Senior Writer

Skip Descant writes about smart cities, the Internet of Things, transportation and other areas. He spent more than 12 years reporting for daily newspapers in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and California. He lives in downtown Yreka, Calif.

Artificial Intelligence

In New AI Coalition, Government Thought Leaders Plan Ahead

Gov tech officials have joined the GovAI Coalition, formed late last year, to collectively shape policies and best practices for introducing AI-enabled tools. They're looking to flank the fast-moving technology.

December 06, 2024
· Skip Descant
Artificial Intelligence

AI Is an Energy Hog, and Government Needs to Be Aware

The environmental costs of using artificial intelligence tools is an area of growing concern for government technology officials. Transparency from vendors can shed light on their energy and water usage.

December 05, 2024
· Skip Descant
Transportation

UCLA Wireless Bus Charging Project Aims for Broader Impact

The endeavor, on the University of California, Los Angeles campus, is intended to make charging seamless. Its infrastructure, to be in place by the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, could be used by numerous transit operators.

December 03, 2024
· Skip Descant
Transportation

Sacramento Transit Readies Contactless Tap-to-Pay Rollout

Sacramento Regional Transit is poised to deploy a new payment system in coming months, using technology familiar in the retail world. The agency will preserve older ways to pay, and offer discounts for veterans and seniors.

November 22, 2024
· Skip Descant
The Future in Context

A Look at Transit’s Local Successes and Federal Challenges

The recent fortunes of local initiatives reveal a shifting landscape in U.S. transportation policy — driven by political, economic and environmental factors. What lies ahead is, as yet, unclear.

November 22, 2024
· Paul W. Taylor, Ashley Silver, Skip Descant
Cybersecurity

NASCIO Highlights Cyber Training Need for Locals, Underserved

The work of state-level CISOs is expanding to help serve the cyber needs of small municipalities and vulnerable groups, a NASCIO report affirms. Whole-of-state cybersecurity and grants are helping drive the endeavor.

November 21, 2024
· Skip Descant
Transportation

Ahead of the L.A. Olympics, Officials Focus On Lone Drivers

State and local transportation leaders discussed ideas intended to coax motorists away from driving alone at the CoMotion LA conference. The 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles are looming as tech and policy options develop.

November 20, 2024
· Skip Descant
Broadband and Network

With Connectivity as Its Goal, BEAD May Be Tech-Agnostic

The North Star for the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is comprehensive connectivity for all homes and businesses, officials said at the Connecting Communities Summit. That could come through fiber or fixed wireless.

November 18, 2024
· Skip Descant
Broadband and Network

BEAD Buildout Expected to Continue Under New Administration

A former federal telecommunications official said it is unlikely Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program funding will be clawed back and work disrupted. Infrastructure could, however, become more tech-neutral.

November 14, 2024
· Skip Descant
Transportation

Calif. Strengthens Emissions, Clean Transportation Standards

The California Air Resources Board approved changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, to expand incentives for high-speed electric vehicle charging and advance the use of low-carbon fuels.

November 11, 2024
· Skip Descant