Skip to content

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."

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.”

The logic behind the principle stems from the health benefits of walking and biking, but also from the simple truth that fewer miles driven represents less air pollution — and often, more time to spend on less sedentary pursuits.

As it happens, Orszag himself is living proof of transportation’s connection to public health. He blogged today on the White House website about the “pedometer challenge” now going on at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which he heads, and included a video of OMB employees and their ped-loving boss (see above).

(h/t Ben Smith)

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog USA

Anyone Can Access Friday’s Headlines

September 11, 2026

I Care About E-Bike Safety 0.02 Percent of The Time

September 11, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: Carspreading

September 10, 2026

Waymo’s Nevada Rollout Violates Accessibility Law, Disability Activist Claims

September 10, 2026
See all posts