Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Streetsblog Capitol Hill

RITA Speaks: What Technology Can Do for Transportation Safety

By Elana Schor | Apr 29, 2010 | 1 Comment

Among the myriad of smaller agencies that comprise the U.S. DOT, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) tends to stay in the background, not unlike the wonky, computer-hacking sidekicks often found in action movies. RITA’s work could be used to help cyclists steer clear of "dooring" opportunities like this. (Photo: Sidi Ergo) But the […]

Dem and GOP Senators Seek More Long-Term Rail Vision From Obama Aides

By Elana Schor | Apr 29, 2010 | 1 Comment

The senior Democratic and Republican senators in charge of setting annual transportation spending levels today urged the leader of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop a more comprehensive plan for using the White House’s high-speed rail program to spur the development of viable U.S. train networks. FRA chief Joseph Szabo (l.) and Amtrak CEO […]

Is the ‘Road Gang’ Losing Power in Washington?

By Elana Schor | Apr 29, 2010 | 5 Comments

That is the thesis posited in a new investigation from the Center for Public Integrity, which sent a reporter to sprawl-saturated South Florida to examine how much of a return the transportation construction industry is getting on its multi-million-dollar contributions to congressional campaigns. In a time of sluggish economic recovery, when federal dollars can make […]

On Emissions, CA Lawmaker Questions Whether CA Should Lead the Way

By Elana Schor | Apr 28, 2010 | No Comments

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Lisa Jackson today told House members that she would soon begin work on new auto fuel-efficiency rules for the year 2017 and beyond, responding to calls from carmakers searching for certainty — and warily eyeing the new fuel standards being crafted in California. (Photo: The Weekly Driver) The political and […]

New Report Takes on ‘Perverse Incentives’ to De-Emphasize Bridge Repair

By Elana Schor | Apr 28, 2010 | 2 Comments

When Minneapolis’ I-35 bridge collapsed in 2007, lawmakers from both parties vowed to focus on shoring up the nation’s aging infrastructure. But when the public spotlight faded from the issue of infrastructure repair, Congress showed little appetite for setting aside maintenance aid that did not hold the promise of ribbon-cutting ceremonies or campaign donations. The […]

House & Senate Taking Unified Approach to Post-Toyota Auto Safety Bill

By Elana Schor | Apr 27, 2010 | No Comments

The two congressional chairmen with primary jurisdiction over auto safety today vowed to work together on new legislation aimed at staving off a repeat of the debacle facing Toyota, which was recently fined $16 million for failing to promptly inform federal regulators of defects in its cars that sparked millions of recalls. Senate Commerce Committee […]

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