The half-promise of the Carbon Reduction Program
The Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), a new formula program released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides states with $6.4 billion over 5 years for projects and strategies to reduce carbon emissions. However, thanks to a costly loophole, the program could end up making emissions worse.
Reconnecting Communities: Initiating restorative transportation justice
Much of the work of smart transportation focuses on playing defense against divisive infrastructure projects that would make travel more difficult for drivers and nondrivers alike. Now, communities and advocates have a small but real opportunity to go on offense and remove or mitigate harmful stretches of transportation infrastructure.
New reconciliation package includes funds for safety, access
In response to the proposed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Transportation for America Director Beth Osborne released this statement.
Little-known university research centers could hold the key for transportation solutions
The infrastructure law sets aside funding for university transportation centers (UTCs) to research and provide actionable recommendations on emerging transportation issues. However, in the face of mounting climate resiliency, equity, safety, mobility access, and state of repair concerns, are UTCs poised to meet the moment?
Three strategies for smart electrification
When it comes to the climate crisis, we at T4A have historically been focused on the land use and transportation options that can reduce driving to cut emissions. However, transportation electrification is also essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are three key strategies for doing it right.
What’s missing in the new rule for EV chargers?
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, or just “the infrastructure law”) created the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a five-year formula grant program meant to establish a national network of electric vehicle charging stations. On June 9, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on how it plans to administer this program, opening the proposed rule for public comment.
Safety and mobility choice through rural California
Juxtaposed by a well-supported bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, there are many people in rural communities, particularly agricultural workers, along the route that are in critical need of vital, reliable, affordable transportation options, and suffer dire health and economic consequences as a result.
A decade of prioritizing speed over safety has led to 62 percent more deaths
Smart Growth America’s new report Dangerous by Design 2022 uses more data than ever to understand how design impacts travel behavior. The findings confirm what we’ve always known: it’s impossible to prioritize both safety and keeping cars moving quickly.
Transportation for America applauds new emissions rule, “a vital first step”
In response to the USDOT’s newly proposed rule for states and municipalities to track and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Transportation for America Director Beth Osborne offered this statement.
After your next trip, bring back a fresh perspective on transportation
Visiting communities other than our own can remind us to envision more for transportation in our own communities. This is especially important now, with so much infrastructure funding starting to flow that could actually make these visions reality.
Vision Zero won’t happen without Safe Streets for All
The infrastructure law created a new grant program to help communities tackle the increasing rate of roadway deaths. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program allows localities to take direct steps to improve safety for all roadway users, whether they’re setting up a Vision Zero plan or actually planning, designing, and constructing street safety improvements. Funding is available now.
When gas prices rise, choice matters
High gas prices put pressure on many Americans’ finances. Unfortunately, the cost of gas depends on a variety of factors, and there’s no silver bullet. Focusing on ineffective short-term solutions can often distract from the long-term problem: when the places we live are designed only for car travel (and longer trips), Americans are forced to pay the cost.
The infrastructure law wasn’t perfect, but now it’s reality
Focusing on whether the infrastructure law was “good” or “bad” will fail to shape how its historic cash is spent over the next five years. That’s precisely why T4America is pressing on to enable USDOT, states, metro areas, and local communities to maximize the potential of this flawed legislation.
To deliver on Equity Action Plan, USDOT, states, and local decision makers must take real action
Though the USDOT’s Equity Action Plan (EAP) describes the new infrastructure law as “a historic investment in transportation equity,” the final verdict will depend on the administration’s next steps, how they distribute competitive grants, and other choices far outside of their control, such as how states and metro areas invest federal funds.
We need a new approach to transportation: T4A’s efforts to get there
Six months into 2022, a lot’s been accomplished on the implementation of the 2021 infrastructure law, but there’s still a long way to go.
Now Hiring: Policy & Outreach Associate (T4America)
Smart Growth America is seeking a skilled and motivated individual with knowledge, experience and interest in outreach and organizing around transportation policy and implementation at the federal, state or local level.
Now hiring: Policy Associate
motivated individual with knowledge, experience and interest in transportation policy development, implementation, and advocacy at the federal, state and local level. This position reports to the Policy Director of T4America.
Become part of the movement with T4America membership
All types of local public agencies and organizations join T4America’s membership program to gain access to information and expertise, but because the benefits are numerous, they also often get things they weren’t expecting.
Justice40 “benefits” could mean more emissions, worse health outcomes in disadvantaged communities
In President Biden’s first weeks in office, he established an environmental justice initiative called Justice40, which aims to direct benefits from federal investments to disadvantaged communities. Today, the administration is working on more specific guidance on how Justice40 should be applied, which will determine how effective this effort will be.
The STB is finally acting to improve freight railroads. Will it be enough?
After years of looking the other way while deliveries suffered, the Surface Transportation Board finally ruled that freight railroads have to improve their service. Here’s what it could mean for goods and travelers alike.
Our three principles
It’s past time to elevate the national conversation about infrastructure beyond just the price tag.
Learn more about our platformLatest From The Blog
The half-promise of the Carbon Reduction Program
Aug 4th, 2022
Three strategies for smart electrification
Jul 26th, 2022
One big problem emerging is what to do…
Jul 27th, 2022
No one seems to mention the fact that…
Jun 29th, 2022
Hello, Thank you very much for this information.…
Jun 29th, 2022
When will State DOTs do what FHWA recommends,…
Jun 1st, 2022
