The Capitol’s 10 Transportation Players to Know
Even occasional observers of the national transportation scene can probably recognize House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) or Senate environment committee chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) -- but what about the advisers who act as their eyes and ears in drafting policy?
July 27, 2009
From the Dept. of Mixed Messages: LaHood Touts ‘Cash for Clunkers’
Two weeks ago, Ray LaHood candidly addressed the need to reduce the nation's vehicle miles traveled in order to halt the devastating effects of climate change. But the Transportation Secretary had a decidedly different message today.
July 27, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Is Oberstar giving up on his push for a long-term transport bill? No way (CongressNow) LaHood tangles with GOP over stimulus (The Hill) Proposed $4.6 billion widening of Maryland’s I-270 sets nerves on edge (Sun) Michigan’s members of Congress ask the administration to save their road projects (DetNews.com) Sustainable transport advocate to head White House’s … Continued
July 27, 2009
House Votes on Transportation Spending: Track it Live
While how to pay for future transport programs takes center stage in the House today, another crucial debate is going on over approval of next year's U.S. DOT budget.
July 23, 2009
Lawmakers Pitch Transport Funding Ideas, From VMT to Freight Taxes
Leaders of the House transportation committee, doggedly pursuing a six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill this year, pressed their case this morning before Ways and Means Committee colleagues who must approve a new funding mechanism for their massive legislation.
July 23, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Bike advocates thrilled with Oberstar’s transpo bill (The Hill) GM and Chrysler tell Congress not to mess with their dealership closure plans (AP) Bids for stimulus infrastructure projects coming in at surprisingly low amounts (GovExec) What the transit operating deficit hath wrought: an insufficient economic stimulus law (The Nation)
July 23, 2009
White Roof, Green Roof: Cities Share Climate Solutions on the Hill
When Energy Secretary Steven Chu observed that simply painting roofs white would go a long way in reducing emissions, he was mocked by conservatives but hailed by advocates who have long understood the power of small-scale actions to mitigate the warming climate.
July 22, 2009
Livable Streets Win: Concealed Weapons Amendment Falls in the Senate
Debate over the incendiary urban policy issue of gun possession came to a head today in the Senate, as a proposal to let individuals carry concealed firearms into states with strong weapons limits -- such as New York and Illinois -- was defeated by a narrow margin.
July 22, 2009
Cardin & Carper Bullish on Transit’s Prospects in Senate Climate Bill
Addressing a climate change forum this morning, two Democrats on the Senate environment committee said they are pushing for transit and other green modes of transport to get 10 percent of the revenue generated by the upcoming Senate bill regulating carbon emissions.
July 22, 2009
Oberstar to Request $3B Patch for Highway Trust Fund
House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) will ask his revenue-minded colleagues on the Ways and Means panel tomorrow to approve $3 billion to keep the nation's highway trust fund afloat until September 30, according to a report in today's CQ.
July 22, 2009