The BosWash Infrastructure Biome and Energy System Succession

The BosWash corridor is a megalopolis, or large urbanized region composed of interconnected transportation, infrastructure, physiography, and sociopolitical systems. Previous work has not considered the as an integrated, holistic ecosystem. Building on emerging field infrastructure ecology, conceptualized here biome, this concept applied to region’s energy transition post-fossil fueled heating sector, in analogy ecosystem succession. In conception, systems are analogous focal species. A case study for succession from aging natural gas carbon-free sector presented, order demonstrate utility biome framework address climate challenges facing communities. Natural dominant source that emits carbon dioxide when burned methane leaked along process chain; therefore, electricity widely seen necessary toward reducing greenhouse emissions. Utilizing policy, regional plan akin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative generated harmonize within resolve conflict arising siloed approach management at individual city state levels. This generates utilizes novel prescribe policy element previously been explored scale—natural gas.