Election 2008
Streetsblog LA
Energy Policy Straight Talk From Elizabeth Kolbert
Back in his Straight Talkin' days Senator John McCain acknowledged that offshore drilling wasn't a viable solution for America's energy troubles. In 2003, he broke with the Bush Administration and co-introduced legislation to reduce carbon emissions, by, in effect, imposing a price on them. McCain had a reputation for being a politician who told the American people the truth, even when the truth wasn't something that people particularly wanted to hear. But the past few weeks have seen a fundamental change in McCain, writes Elizabeth Kolbert in an outstanding piece in this week's New Yorker:
August 6, 2008
Hillary Clinton Introduces Senate Version of Transit Relief Bill
Transit operators struggling to keep pace with demand as rising fuel costs strain their budgets received some welcome news on Friday. New York's junior senator has introduced a version of the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act. The bill, which would provide $1.7 billion for local transit agencies over the next two years (including $237 million for New York City), passed the House in June but lacked a Senate sponsor until now.
August 5, 2008
How to Ease Pain at the Pump Without Deepening Oil Dependence
As the drumbeat for domestic drilling grows louder, can the Democratic leadership come up with a better alternative than tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve? Over at the Huffington Post, Shelley Poticha and Geoff Anderson of Transportation for America propose a few ideas that will actually pay dividends. Pols who are serious about reducing the impact of high gas prices should listen up:
July 24, 2008
Obama Calls for Investment in Regional Intercity Rail
We noted yesterday that Barack Obama has promised to direct more federal funds to bike-ped infrastructure if elected. Now comes word that the Illinois Senator is going public with his support for a regional rail network linking midwestern cities, an idea he had floated quietly during the Democratic primary campaign.
June 17, 2008
Obama: I’ll Boost Funds for Bike-Ped Projects If Elected
Barack Obama riding with his family last week.
June 16, 2008
Eyes on the Street, Presidential Campaign Edition
After the 2004 presidential campaign, in which both candidates attracted attention for riding bikes (and falling off them), it's refreshing to see a nominee on two wheels who is neither A) biking in the woods, nor B) straddling an $8000 Serotta while clad in spandex. Obama stayed upright and apparently rode with one of his daughters in tow (none of the AP photos actually show who or what is attached to his trailer).
June 10, 2008
Street Heat Presidential Primer
Ok, so tomorrow is primary day in 22 states. To help out any reader who might still be undecided, I’ve combed the Internet (both my writings and others) to get a lot of different articles on candidates’ transportation positions. Happy Voting! Streetsblog Democrats Republicans Smart Growth America Democrats Republicans Tri-State Transportation Campaign Presidential Views on … Continued
February 4, 2008
Mitt and McCain Offer Differences on Car Culture
As the clock winds down on another primary contest for the Republicans, Senator John McCain and Governor Mitt Romney are offering two different visions of what they see as the future of the car industry in America.
January 14, 2008