The Senate Climate Bill Reaches a First Milestone Today — Maybe
The Senate environment committee is slated to begin formally voting on its climate change bill today in an atmosphere of high drama, thanks to Republican members who have vowed to boycott the proceedings in a bid to delay the legislative process.
November 3, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Proposed change to unionization rules that would make it easier for rail and airline workers to unionize is drawing fire (WSJ) Development debate now raging in Tysons Corner, Virginia, offers an opening to try out the “value capture” method of transportation funding (TNR’s Avenue) Streetcar construction is on the ballot in Idaho this Election Day; … Continued
November 3, 2009
Wall Street’s Infrastructure Tax Shelter Hits Transit — and the Feds Too
The previously wonky debate over the tax shelters known as "lease-backs" or SILOs (short for "sale in, lease out") went mainstream today thanks to a highly readable New York Times op-ed by New York University urban policy professor Michael Moss. He writes:
November 2, 2009
Obama Calls For ‘More Creative’ Ways to Pay For Infrastructure
At a meeting today with his outside economic recovery advisers, President Obama emphasized the importance of shoring up the nation's crumbling infrastructure but warned that the mounting federal deficit would require "more creative, new approaches to financing" investment in transit, bridges, and road repairs.
November 2, 2009
To Limit Distracted Driving, Congress Leans Toward a Carrot-Stick Combo
Partisanship is a fact of life in Washington, often slowing down progress on issues from health care to climate change. But when it comes to preventing the use of electronic devices behind the wheel, a congressional consensus is emerging in favor of federal action -- even as the extent of GOP support for a punitive approach remains decidedly unclear.
November 2, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Oberstar raises objections to funding strategy being used for Detroit’s light rail project, imperiling the proposal (Crain’s Biz) The Senate environment committee hopes to start marking up its climate bill tomorrow — but that depends on Republicans’ abandonment of their threatened boycott (The Hill) Congress officially extends the 2005 federal transportation law for another six … Continued
November 2, 2009
Today’s Headlines
The head of a controversial “clean coal” group may have just plain told un-truths at yesterday’s congressional hearing on the climate letter-forging scandal (Mother Jones) GM’s new CEO says the Obama administration was “fair” to insist on pay cuts at the company (Det News) Policymakers still falling in love with electric cars — now California’s … Continued
October 30, 2009
The New Curveball: A $150 Billion Transportation Down Payment
At an event with Dick Durbin (IL), the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA) today threw a curveball into Washington's ongoing back-and-forth over economic recovery, suggesting a $150 billion "front-loaded" transportation stimulus for next year.
October 29, 2009
Inhofe Blasts Transport Bill Inaction That Comes From His Own Party
The Senate environment committee's senior Republican, Jim Inhofe (OK), delivered a stern warning today to any lawmakers who would force another short-term extension of federal transportation programs, which are set to expire at midnight Saturday.
October 29, 2009
Trucking Industry Likes Higher Fuel Prices — When They Help Truckers
To hear American Trucking Association (ATA) vice chairman Barbara Windsor tell the Senate environment panel today, truckers would face a grim economic future if the price of diesel fuel rises, as the ATA predicts would happen if Congress passes climate change legislation.
October 29, 2009