One of many issues that need to be fixed in the House’s transportation bill is a plan to allow transportation money in a pollution-control fund to be used on new roadways for solo drivers. In 1991, Congress created a small program dedicated solely to helping communities deal with the negative side effects of over-reliance on major roads for rush-hour travel. A provision in the House’s transportation bill opens that fund to construction of regular highway lanes.

Many of the arguments for smarter and more sustainable growth emphasize cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. But what if reorienting where we live and how we travel also made us wealthier, more prosperous and better prepared for a 21st century economy? That’s the conclusion of a new report from the Center for Clean Air Policy, titled “Growing Wealthier: Smart Growth, Climate Change and Prosperity.”

When we think about our daily commutes to work, walks to the grocery store, or bus rides our kids take to school, there are few things more important than making sure these activities keep us healthy and safe. After all, the numbers related to these issues are simply staggering — more than 37,000 people killed [...]