Today’s Headlines

  • Talking in-depth with Gabe Klein, D.C.’s pro-bike and pro-transit director of transportation (WaPo)
  • A look at the four GOP House candidates for 2010 who also own large auto dealerships (Roll Call)
  • The U.S. DOT echoes White House adviser Browner in warning that congressional efforts to block the EPA from regulating emissions would unravel the upcoming increase in fuel-efficiency standards (The Hill)
  • A reminder that Sen. Jim Inhofe (OK), top Republican on the environment committee, voted against rescuing the highway trust fund before he voted for it (NewsOK)
  • Yonah Freemark on the suburbs’ lack of preparation for a new era of poverty (Next American City)

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Illinois Congressman Pushes for Pro-Bike Transportation Bill

By Elana Schor |
Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), an early supporter of the congressional "complete streets" bill, is circulating a letter to his House colleagues that urges support for pro-bike provisions in the upcoming federal transportation bill. Here’s how Lipinski put it: Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) (Photo: Washington Post) There is growing national interest in bicycling, and there is […]

What Happened to John Mica, Pro-Transit Republican?

By Ben Goldman |
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member John Mica knew the value of good transit. “I became a mass transit fan because it’s so much more cost effective than building a highway,” he told PBS in 2009. “Also, it’s good for energy, it’s good for the environment – and that’s why I like it.” Flash […]

The Faulty Logic Behind Pro-Car Populism

By Angie Schmitt |
If you’ve ever made the case that roads and parking shouldn’t be subsidized, you’ve probably heard the counter argument that raising parking rates, gas taxes, or tolls is regressive policy that will hurt the poor. And it’s true that raising the prices of those things would mean everyone, including those with low incomes, would pay […]

Pro-Bike Republican Tom Petri to Chair Key House Transpo Panel

By Tanya Snyder |
The Republican co-chair of the Congressional Bicycling Caucus is getting a leadership position with some real gravitas. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) was just named the new chair of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee in the House — the epicenter of the chamber’s surface transportation legislation. The list of Republicans who support active transportation is pretty short […]
Photo: Amelia Bates / Grist

Seattle and Minneapolis: A Tale of Two Upzones

By Philip Kiefer |
Dense, walkable cities mean more families can afford to stay, and public transport gets a boost. They’re also greener than suburbs, with their large homes and car-dependent multitudes. But changing zoning rules that break the car culture isn’t easy. A long read from our friends at Grist.