Today’s Headlines
The Yes Men follow up on their New York Post prank by posing as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the media takes the bait (Mother Jones) LaHood announces a $341 million loan for a direct freight tunnel to the Port of Miami (JOC) An editorial board picks up on the imbalance between tax-credit subsidies … Continued
October 20, 2009
New Study Shows $56 Billion in Hidden Health Damage from Autos
Transportation's effects on public health are rarely discussed by policy-makers, but they remain very real -- and the National Research Council (NRC) put a number on them today, reporting that cars and trucks have about $56 billion in "hidden" health costs that are not reflected in the price of oil or electricity.
October 19, 2009
Has Kentucky’s ‘Zombie Highway’ Met its Demise?
Interstate 66, a planned multi-billion-dollar road through the heart of Appalachia, has become a quintessential "zombie highway," holding on long after economists dismissed its potential -- thanks largely to Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), who has earmarked $96 million for the project even as its chances of going beyond Kentucky dimmed to virtually nil.
October 19, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Inside the frustration of Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Congress’ livable-communities stalwart (NYT) Transportation expert and former Bush-Cheney adviser Jack Schenendorf calls out today’s GOP: If Reagan and Eisenhower could preside over gas tax increases to pay for infrastructure, why can’t you guys get on board? (Williston Herald) Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) takes some heat back … Continued
October 19, 2009
Transportation Allowances in the Climate Bill: A Tale of Two Modes
To understand why the climate change bill is a top priority for urbanists, it's crucial to understand the emissions allowances that the legislation distributes. The allowances essentially put the "trade" in "cap-and-trade" -- whichever industry or state government holds them can benefit from their monetary value or use them to emit pollution under the "cap."
October 16, 2009
Transport Debate Still Stalled As Oberstar Decries ‘Lack of Political Will’
Halfway through the extra month that Congress gave itself to resolve a long-simmering dispute over funding the nation's transportation system, Democratic leaders remain deadlocked over whether -- and how long -- to wait before debating a broad reform of federal infrastructure policy.
October 16, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Streetsblog noted a strangely narrow debate over electrification at this week’s Senate hearing on climate change — but interesting economic themes emerged as well. Here’s a rundown (WSJ) Transit-oriented development plans run into resistance from banks, which are accustomed to offering commercial financing for parking-centric proposals (SL Trib) D.C. bus drivers mount a safety-centric rebellion … Continued
October 16, 2009
Obama Adviser Proves it: Transportation Reform is Health Reform
Over the summer, Streetsblog Capitol Hill published a riff on the rhetorical stylings of White House budget director Peter Orszag that coined a new phrase: "Transportation reform is health reform."
October 15, 2009
Senior Dem Senator to Offer Competing Plan to Limit Distracted Driving
Few if any policy-makers are prepared to defend the dangerous practice of using cell phones and texting behind the wheel. But even as reining in distracted driving gets a higher profile, there is some difference of opinion over whether to use carrots or sticks.
October 15, 2009
Construction Industry and Green Group Join Hands on Clean Diesel
Clean diesel engines, which expel less emissions and get better mileage than conventional counterparts, are benefiting from a lobbying campaign by auto companies. And environmental advocates have come to the table, agreeing with the construction industry on a plan to convert highway construction equipment to clean diesel.
October 15, 2009