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
Media coverage of traffic deaths matters: calling pedestrians "jaywalkers" and treating crashes as random tragedies—not design failures—makes funding safer streets harder.
Pedestrian deaths up 75% since 2010. We know the fixes; language shapes policy.
Pedestrian deaths up 75% since 2010. We know the fixes; language shapes policy.
Ending the pedestrian safety crisis begins with how we talk about it - Smart Growth America
About us
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Media coverage of traffic deaths matters: calling pedestrians "jaywalkers" and treating crashes as random tragedies—not design failures—makes funding safer streets harder.
Pedestrian deaths up 75% since 2010. We know the fixes; language shapes policy.
Pedestrian deaths up 75% since 2010. We know the fixes; language shapes policy.
Reposted by Saad Asad
In my old town the GOP had run basically without serious challenge for decades. A bunch of us "millennials" joined the local Dem party and basically asked to help.
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
“Rather than taking over the Democratic Party the same way the right took over the Republican Party, we should take the easier route and just start up a new party ourselves!”
I’m about to fill my pockets with stones and walk into the sea.
I’m about to fill my pockets with stones and walk into the sea.
November 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
In my old town the GOP had run basically without serious challenge for decades. A bunch of us "millennials" joined the local Dem party and basically asked to help.
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
Chartered Dem clubs are key lever for influencing local elections.
Most Dems need the Dem Party to endorse them so these clubs are often the relevant activists that influence the final decision.
Most Dems need the Dem Party to endorse them so these clubs are often the relevant activists that influence the final decision.
Did not know about the chartered club thing! I guess I'm already a member, but I unfortunately teach on meeting days.
If your county is organized like mine, the county party central committee charters clubs, and the clubs are where you can just jump in as a rando.
November 11, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Chartered Dem clubs are key lever for influencing local elections.
Most Dems need the Dem Party to endorse them so these clubs are often the relevant activists that influence the final decision.
Most Dems need the Dem Party to endorse them so these clubs are often the relevant activists that influence the final decision.
Towers take a decade to deliver homes. Small 6-12 unit apartments—once legal everywhere—can go from permit to move-in in under 3 years.
Empowers local builders, uses less steel, spreads housing beyond polluted arterials.
Empowers local builders, uses less steel, spreads housing beyond polluted arterials.
To Build Fast, Think Small
To Build Fast, Think Small
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Towers take a decade to deliver homes. Small 6-12 unit apartments—once legal everywhere—can go from permit to move-in in under 3 years.
Empowers local builders, uses less steel, spreads housing beyond polluted arterials.
Empowers local builders, uses less steel, spreads housing beyond polluted arterials.
California and Washington's top-two primary reduces polarization and moderates lawmakers, but many voters skip same-party general races entirely.
Alaska's top-four primary with ranked choice keeps these benefits while giving voters more choices worth showing up for.
Alaska's top-four primary with ranked choice keeps these benefits while giving voters more choices worth showing up for.
Time to Tune Up Washington’s Primaries
Time to Tune Up Washington’s Primaries
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:51 PM
California and Washington's top-two primary reduces polarization and moderates lawmakers, but many voters skip same-party general races entirely.
Alaska's top-four primary with ranked choice keeps these benefits while giving voters more choices worth showing up for.
Alaska's top-four primary with ranked choice keeps these benefits while giving voters more choices worth showing up for.
County approved Inspector General to oversee Sheriff after 250+ jail deaths since 2006. Current board (CLERB) can only probe citizen complaints.
New office can investigate independently, audit internal probes, has subpoena power.
New office can investigate independently, audit internal probes, has subpoena power.
Supervisors move forward with plan for new oversight of sheriff
An Office of Inspector General could launch independent investigations beyond the scope of the ones an existing oversight board can.
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 6:51 PM
County approved Inspector General to oversee Sheriff after 250+ jail deaths since 2006. Current board (CLERB) can only probe citizen complaints.
New office can investigate independently, audit internal probes, has subpoena power.
New office can investigate independently, audit internal probes, has subpoena power.
SD ousted its Chief Sustainability Officer months after eliminating her department in budget cuts.
City emissions rose 2022-23 despite climate plan goals, and promised building electrification rules remain unannounced after 3 years.
City emissions rose 2022-23 despite climate plan goals, and promised building electrification rules remain unannounced after 3 years.
Mayor Gloria’s Admin Ousts Climate and Sustainability Leader
The firing of the city’s Chief Sustainability Officer follows a pattern of weakening San Diego’s climate action arm.
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
SD ousted its Chief Sustainability Officer months after eliminating her department in budget cuts.
City emissions rose 2022-23 despite climate plan goals, and promised building electrification rules remain unannounced after 3 years.
City emissions rose 2022-23 despite climate plan goals, and promised building electrification rules remain unannounced after 3 years.
As Earth warms, wetlands and permafrost release more methane - but these warming-induced emissions aren't in climate models or Paris Agreement budgets. They're accelerating faster than predicted.
Spark Climate Solutions Announces Program to Model Major Climate Blind Spot: Warming-Induced Greenhouse Gas Emissions — Spark Climate Solutions
As climate change heats up the planet, natural systems like warming wetlands and thawing permafrost are expected to emit more greenhouse gases...
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
As Earth warms, wetlands and permafrost release more methane - but these warming-induced emissions aren't in climate models or Paris Agreement budgets. They're accelerating faster than predicted.
29 U.S. fusion startups raised $7.5B betting on 2030s grid connections, but none have proven net electricity production. New state policy guide seeks tax breaks and fast-track permits.
Should taxpayers subsidize a technology that may never compete?
Should taxpayers subsidize a technology that may never compete?
State Policy Options for Fusion Energy Deployment
CATF's new policy report offers a menu of state policy options —adaptable to states’ energy and economic priorities—to create the conditions needed to attract and deploy future fusion energy projects.
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 12:24 AM
29 U.S. fusion startups raised $7.5B betting on 2030s grid connections, but none have proven net electricity production. New state policy guide seeks tax breaks and fast-track permits.
Should taxpayers subsidize a technology that may never compete?
Should taxpayers subsidize a technology that may never compete?
Dems dropping climate talk after voters ranked it low vs. affordability concerns.
Smart reframe: Rep Casten's 'Cheap Energy Agenda' ties clean power to lower bills.
Climate action happens when framed as benefit, not abstract crisis.
Smart reframe: Rep Casten's 'Cheap Energy Agenda' ties clean power to lower bills.
Climate action happens when framed as benefit, not abstract crisis.
Why Democrats aren't talking about climate change much anymore
As Democrats reflect on the 2024 election, talking about the "planetary emergency" is out, and "cheap energy" is in.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Dems dropping climate talk after voters ranked it low vs. affordability concerns.
Smart reframe: Rep Casten's 'Cheap Energy Agenda' ties clean power to lower bills.
Climate action happens when framed as benefit, not abstract crisis.
Smart reframe: Rep Casten's 'Cheap Energy Agenda' ties clean power to lower bills.
Climate action happens when framed as benefit, not abstract crisis.
Trump cut $17M in San Diego clean energy grants (battery recycling, hydrogen storage). Rep Peters warns: electricity demand rising 15% vs. historic 1-2%.
Cutting energy innovation during demand surge means higher prices regardless of climate views.
Cutting energy innovation during demand surge means higher prices regardless of climate views.
President Trump cuts more than $17M in environmental grants for San Diego County
President Trump cancels $28B in federal grants, hitting projects in Democratic districts like San Diego. Local leaders voice concern over future energy costs.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Trump cut $17M in San Diego clean energy grants (battery recycling, hydrogen storage). Rep Peters warns: electricity demand rising 15% vs. historic 1-2%.
Cutting energy innovation during demand surge means higher prices regardless of climate views.
Cutting energy innovation during demand surge means higher prices regardless of climate views.
EPA reinstates 2024 coke oven air monitoring rule after reversing July delay. Follows lawsuit from environmental groups.
Coke ovens release carcinogens including benzene & lead.
Advocacy group analysis claims 892 annual premature deaths, 250k asthma attacks from 17 facilities.
Coke ovens release carcinogens including benzene & lead.
Advocacy group analysis claims 892 annual premature deaths, 250k asthma attacks from 17 facilities.
EPA Reinstates Coke Oven Rule, Delivering Win for Steel Communities
Victory for clean air: EPA has reversed its delay on coke oven pollution rules, restoring protections for steel communities long burdened by toxic emissions. The decision follows years of advocacy…
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 11:50 PM
EPA reinstates 2024 coke oven air monitoring rule after reversing July delay. Follows lawsuit from environmental groups.
Coke ovens release carcinogens including benzene & lead.
Advocacy group analysis claims 892 annual premature deaths, 250k asthma attacks from 17 facilities.
Coke ovens release carcinogens including benzene & lead.
Advocacy group analysis claims 892 annual premature deaths, 250k asthma attacks from 17 facilities.
Cheap Energy Act tackles high bills through grid fixes, faster clean energy connections, LNG export limits to protect domestic prices, aid for struggling families.
Balances consumer costs with climate goals.
Balances consumer costs with climate goals.
Reps. Mike Levin & Sean Casten Unveil the Cheap Energy Agenda: A Roadmap to Lower Energy Costs for American Families | U.S. Congressman Mike Levin
The Official U.S. Congressional website of Congressman Mike Levin
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Cheap Energy Act tackles high bills through grid fixes, faster clean energy connections, LNG export limits to protect domestic prices, aid for struggling families.
Balances consumer costs with climate goals.
Balances consumer costs with climate goals.
Google funding gas plant with carbon capture at Illinois corn facility, replacing coal. First major gas-with-CCS plant in US.
Key precedent: as energy demand grows, new gas must capture emissions. Technology exists - unabated gas shouldn't be built anymore.
Key precedent: as energy demand grows, new gas must capture emissions. Technology exists - unabated gas shouldn't be built anymore.
CATF’s statement on Google’s investment in carbon capture in Decatur, Illinois
Today, Google announced plans to support the development of a new natural gas power plant with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Decatur, Illinois. John Thompson, Technology and Markets Director at…
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Google funding gas plant with carbon capture at Illinois corn facility, replacing coal. First major gas-with-CCS plant in US.
Key precedent: as energy demand grows, new gas must capture emissions. Technology exists - unabated gas shouldn't be built anymore.
Key precedent: as energy demand grows, new gas must capture emissions. Technology exists - unabated gas shouldn't be built anymore.
Capping add-on fees at 5% of rent won't lower housing costs—landlords will just bake those expenses into base rent instead.
When vacancy rates low, renters have no leverage.
Best solution: legalize more apartments so tenants can walk away.
inewsource.org/2025/11/04/s...
When vacancy rates low, renters have no leverage.
Best solution: legalize more apartments so tenants can walk away.
inewsource.org/2025/11/04/s...
San Diego County considers outlawing 'junk fees' for renters
In line with San Diego, the county's proposed ordinance aims to protect renters from “price gouging and fee exploitation.”
inewsource.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Capping add-on fees at 5% of rent won't lower housing costs—landlords will just bake those expenses into base rent instead.
When vacancy rates low, renters have no leverage.
Best solution: legalize more apartments so tenants can walk away.
inewsource.org/2025/11/04/s...
When vacancy rates low, renters have no leverage.
Best solution: legalize more apartments so tenants can walk away.
inewsource.org/2025/11/04/s...
60K Afghans who helped US troops for 20 years still trapped in Taliban territory. 170K more need visas. These are translators, drivers, guides who saved American lives.
We owe them safety, not bureaucratic delays and broken promises.
We owe them safety, not bureaucratic delays and broken promises.
Representative Peters Outlines Harmful Changes to Afghan Refugee Resettlement Efforts
Congressman Scott Peters
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 1:50 AM
60K Afghans who helped US troops for 20 years still trapped in Taliban territory. 170K more need visas. These are translators, drivers, guides who saved American lives.
We owe them safety, not bureaucratic delays and broken promises.
We owe them safety, not bureaucratic delays and broken promises.
Border air pollution worsens as Trump cuts climate programs while Mexico lacks funds for its goals. Both governments improved monitoring networks but created no binding emission limits.
Result: detailed data on toxic air that harms communities, zero enforcement.
Result: detailed data on toxic air that harms communities, zero enforcement.
US-Mexico Climate Cooperation at a Stalemate | Baker Institute
OverviewBorder Region’s VulnerabilityAs extreme climate events intensify around the world, the U.S.-Mexican border region has emerged as particularly vulnerable.[1] Large climate variability is…
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Border air pollution worsens as Trump cuts climate programs while Mexico lacks funds for its goals. Both governments improved monitoring networks but created no binding emission limits.
Result: detailed data on toxic air that harms communities, zero enforcement.
Result: detailed data on toxic air that harms communities, zero enforcement.
Congress just spent $25.7B subsidizing corn ethanol and soy diesel—fuels already mandated by law—while slashing support for sustainable aviation fuel by 43%.
Taxpayers fund windfall profits for mature industries instead of climate innovation.
Taxpayers fund windfall profits for mature industries instead of climate innovation.
H.R. 1 Expands 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit for Conventional Biofuels While Cutting Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit
H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, expands the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) by extending it through 2029 and loosening eligibility…
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Congress just spent $25.7B subsidizing corn ethanol and soy diesel—fuels already mandated by law—while slashing support for sustainable aviation fuel by 43%.
Taxpayers fund windfall profits for mature industries instead of climate innovation.
Taxpayers fund windfall profits for mature industries instead of climate innovation.
Steel peaked emissions in 2021, but industry lags: just 5% cuts expected by 2030 vs. 23% needed for climate safety.
Green hydrogen tech is ready—what's missing? Policy support to lower financial risk for pioneering steel plants making the switch.
Green hydrogen tech is ready—what's missing? Policy support to lower financial risk for pioneering steel plants making the switch.
Green Steel 60: Global steel transition and hydrogen - From vision to viability
Here’s another insightful learning event of our Green Steel 60 series from the India Green Steel Network. Where we bring industry leaders and exports to break down new technologies, policy levers…
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Steel peaked emissions in 2021, but industry lags: just 5% cuts expected by 2030 vs. 23% needed for climate safety.
Green hydrogen tech is ready—what's missing? Policy support to lower financial risk for pioneering steel plants making the switch.
Green hydrogen tech is ready—what's missing? Policy support to lower financial risk for pioneering steel plants making the switch.
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Nearly 14,000 U.S. industrial boilers produce 6% of industrial NOx.
Companies site 40% in disadvantaged communities where pollution runs twice as high.
Just two paper firms own 30% of top polluters. Clean electric boilers exist but cost more than fossil units.
Companies site 40% in disadvantaged communities where pollution runs twice as high.
Just two paper firms own 30% of top polluters. Clean electric boilers exist but cost more than fossil units.
What Does Industrial Boiler Pollution Look Like Across the U.S.?
Building on an Evergreen and Sierra Club report, these interactive maps visualize a new dataset of 14,000 industrial boilers across the U.S. They're a new tool for state regulators and climate…
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Nearly 14,000 U.S. industrial boilers produce 6% of industrial NOx.
Companies site 40% in disadvantaged communities where pollution runs twice as high.
Just two paper firms own 30% of top polluters. Clean electric boilers exist but cost more than fossil units.
Companies site 40% in disadvantaged communities where pollution runs twice as high.
Just two paper firms own 30% of top polluters. Clean electric boilers exist but cost more than fossil units.
Fusion power companies plan grid connections by early 2030s, but regulatory gaps could stall projects.
States that streamline permits, define fusion in law, and fund workforce training now will attract billions in private investment later.
States that streamline permits, define fusion in law, and fund workforce training now will attract billions in private investment later.
It’s time for a state playbook for fusion energy deployment
In a new policy report, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) offers a menu of state policy options —adaptable to states’ energy and economic priorities—to create the conditions needed to attract and deploy…
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Fusion power companies plan grid connections by early 2030s, but regulatory gaps could stall projects.
States that streamline permits, define fusion in law, and fund workforce training now will attract billions in private investment later.
States that streamline permits, define fusion in law, and fund workforce training now will attract billions in private investment later.
U.S. has 2,500 GW of power projects waiting 5+ years to connect to the grid—double previous wait times.
New rules require large upfront deposits to block speculators. Risk: Financial barriers may favor big utilities over smaller clean energy developers.
New rules require large upfront deposits to block speculators. Risk: Financial barriers may favor big utilities over smaller clean energy developers.
Interconnection Reforms and Processes Across the Atlantic: A Primer
This primer was authored by Cameron Dehmlow Dunne. Interconnection queues across the United States and the United Kingdom have become significantly backlogged, with over 2,500 gigawatts (GW) of…
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
U.S. has 2,500 GW of power projects waiting 5+ years to connect to the grid—double previous wait times.
New rules require large upfront deposits to block speculators. Risk: Financial barriers may favor big utilities over smaller clean energy developers.
New rules require large upfront deposits to block speculators. Risk: Financial barriers may favor big utilities over smaller clean energy developers.
Trump cut $7.6B in clean energy funds, hitting California's grid upgrades and hydrogen projects. State will lose federal money but still has cap-and-trade revenue and private investment.
Climate goals depend less on DC than on state execution now.
buff.ly/rdQMZBc
Climate goals depend less on DC than on state execution now.
buff.ly/rdQMZBc
November 4, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Trump cut $7.6B in clean energy funds, hitting California's grid upgrades and hydrogen projects. State will lose federal money but still has cap-and-trade revenue and private investment.
Climate goals depend less on DC than on state execution now.
buff.ly/rdQMZBc
Climate goals depend less on DC than on state execution now.
buff.ly/rdQMZBc
SF plan would deliver only 50% of mandated housing, opening the door to "builder's remedy."
therealdeal.com/san-francisc...
therealdeal.com/san-francisc...
Builder’s remedy looms over SF zoning plan
San Francisco’s Family Zoning Plan won’t deliver enough housing needed under its housing element, opening the door to builder’s remedy.
therealdeal.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:23 PM
SF plan would deliver only 50% of mandated housing, opening the door to "builder's remedy."
therealdeal.com/san-francisc...
therealdeal.com/san-francisc...