Streetsblog

Thursday’s Headlines Are Still Unsure

How good of a deal is the new climate law, anyway? Not very, say advocates representing marginalized groups.

By Blake Aued

12:00 AM EDT on August 18, 2022

Chris Yakimov, CC

Although Democrats’ newly signed climate will cut greenhouse gas emissions and includes $60 billion for environmental justice, marginalized groups fear its investment in fossil fuels will worsen inequality in areas that are already polluted. (NPR)
Two programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will nearly double the 1,100 electric buses currently on the road, according to the Federal Transit Administration, which announced $1.6 billion in grants for 150 agencies. (Washington Post) But it will still be just 4 percent of the fleet (Streetsblog USA)
The latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stats are out, and traffic deaths are up — again — for the first quarter of 2022.
Amtrak is hiring. With more than 4,000 positions open, dozens of upcoming job fairs are planned.
The L.A. Metro is building 100 miles of passenger rail in the next 30 years, but it’s also building 363 miles of new roads, which could more than wipe out any climate gains from its ambitious transit expansion. (Los Angeles Times)
Seattle is investing in light rail and bus rapid transit, but it also needs regional rail. (The Urbanist)
As intercity bus services like Greyhound struggle in other parts of the country, Virginia’s state-run network is thriving. (Mercury)
Jacksonville’s aging 2.5-mile monorail will become part of a 10-mile automated shuttle loop connecting transit-oriented developments and major sports and entertainment venues. (Smart Cities Dive)
A proposed requirement for electric vehicle chargers at new multifamily developments in Portland leaves out e-bikes yet again. (Bike Portland)
LINK and Bird are bringing e-bike rentals back to Knoxville. (WBIR)
A Northern Michigan group received a federal planning grant for a passenger rail line connecting Ann Arbor with Traverse City, Petoskey and several points in between. (Click on Detroit)
Congratulations to Philadelphia on its stunning achievement. (The Onion)