Recent Streetsblog USA posts about 2009 Transportation Bill

Could Congress Let States (Start to) Lose $8.7 Billion in Road Money?

By Elana Schor | Sep 29, 2009 | No Comments

The short answer: Maybe. (Photo: USGS.gov) As Congress rushed to give itself one more month to break the House-Senate stalemate over federal transportation policy, one matter was left unattended — the $8.7 billion in un-obligated highway aid that’s scheduled to start evaporating on Thursday unless lawmakers act to correct the matter. Sen. Jim Inhofe (OK), […]

Deja Vu: Congress Could Put Off Deal on Transport Bill Until Next Month

By Elana Schor | Sep 24, 2009 | 1 Comment

After a day of twists and turns, the House yesterday approved a three-month extension of the current law that governs spending on the nation’s transit, bridges, and roads. Yet the 335-85 vote obscures an ongoing clash between the House and Senate that could extend into a fourth straight month. (Image: East Bay R.E.) House transportation […]

House Voting Today on Transport Law Extension — Or Not?

By Elana Schor | Sep 23, 2009 | 2 Comments

(ed. note: This post has been updated to reflect late-breaking news as of Wednesday afternoon.) House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar’s (D-MN) plan for a three-month extension of the 2005 federal infrastructure law, appears on track for a vote this afternoon, despite reports that GOP opposition unexpectedly derailed consideration of the bill. House transport committee […]

Would Real Men Tax Gas? A Test for Tom Friedman

By Ryan Avent | Sep 23, 2009 | 2 Comments

On Monday, Elana Schor highlighted a recent column from occasionally right New York Times columnist Tom Friedman, who once again rolled out one of his favorite policy prescriptions — an increased gas tax. Friedman wrote: Tom Friedman (Photo: IvyGate) According to the energy economist Phil Verleger, a $1 tax on gasoline and diesel fuel would […]

Business Lobby to Senate: No, Stimulus Won’t Do Enough for Transport

By Elana Schor | Sep 22, 2009 | No Comments

As the Senate backs up the White House’s push for an 18-month delay in approving a new federal infrastructure bill, one of its major arguments is that the economic stimulus law’s $48 billion in transportation money would help tide the nation over until long-term legislation could be passed. (Image: CleanTechies Blog) "The good news is […]

Oberstar’s 3-Month Transport Bill Extension Heading to House Floor

By Elana Schor | Sep 22, 2009 | No Comments

A three-month extension of existing federal infrastructure law — which is set to expire in eight days — is headed for a vote in the full House this week, likely as soon as tomorrow, according to a spokesman for transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). House transport committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) (Photo: Bike Portland […]

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