Federal Policy
Basics
What’s Different About the New Federal E-Bike Credit Proposal
A popular proposal for a federal e-bike credit is back in front of Congress — and this time, supporters have hard proof of concept that it will be the emissions-slashing, congestion-cutting, mode-shifting tool that Americans deserve.
March 22, 2023
It’s getting real: Biden budget proposal earmarks $350M for $3.6B south Red Line extension
Yesterday the administration began to make good on its promise to help fund the RLE including a request for $350 million in Biden’s fiscal year 2024 discretionary funding request.
March 10, 2023
Congress’s Messy ‘Fix-It-First’ Fight Heats Up
A long-fought effort to get states to spend more of their federal infrastructure dollars on fixing highways rather than building new ones is in peril in the newly GOP-lead head house — and if it succeeds, it could force President Biden to take an unprecedented stand in favor of progressive road priorities.
January 23, 2023
Chicago’s climate superpower: How TOD can help address global warming
As shown in this map, Chicago’s land use policies have a major impact on our greenhouse gas emissions.
November 29, 2022
KOMANOFF: The Weight of Gasoline
The Democrats are getting creamed over the price of gasoline — and it’s not really fair (though it sort of is, too).
November 2, 2022
High Speed Rail Alliance wants better train service in Chicago and across the nation
“The system would be useful for so many more people,” said executive director Rick Harnish. “It really would be a game-changer for Chicago-area transit.”
October 27, 2022
NACTO Pushes Back as Big Auto Seeks Safety Exemption for Driverless Cars
The national association of city transportation officials cries foul as Ford and GM try an end run around the NHTSA for cars without steering wheels and brakes.
September 23, 2022
What the Inflation Reduction Act Will — And Won’t — Do For Sustainable Transportation
The Inflation Reduction Act is expected to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by channeling funding through tax credits, loans, and grants — but it's not a silver bullet.
September 23, 2022
Instead of Just Buying American EVs, Let’s Buy an American Path Out of Car Dependency
Automakers are warning that they won't be able to meet demand for electric cars while also divesting from foreign supply chains — prompting some advocates to demand a decarbonization strategy that doesn't require 1,000-pound batteries.
August 4, 2022
What’s in the New ‘Climate’ Deal for Sustainable Transport — And What’s Not
The Senate is on the brink of passing one of the most robust climate spending bills in U.S. history — but sustainable transportation advocates say it won't do enough to decarbonize the transportation sector.
July 29, 2022