Cong. Blumenauer Updates Federal Cap-and-Trade, Transportation Bill Status

With Congress mired in the health care debate, legislation critical to rebuilding communities, such as ACES and the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill, languish. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) details the political climate in D.C.

2 minute read

February 10, 2010, 2:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


The article features Q&A with the congressman, who touches on the status of a number of pieces of legislation and progressive action items:

"Between the economic recovery package and the House bill on climate legislation, we are already on track for $1 trillion in federal investments. We've been looking at putting probably another $100-200 billion in play in the next two to three months. What frustrates me is that too much of this has been based on past patterns instead of new opportunities to renew, rebuild, and revitalize America. Some of the billions dealing with energy, such as the smart grid, are still in the pipeline. Unfortunately, the legislation that would have reauthorized the current Surface Transportation Act is still languishing."

"Cap-and-trade is the approach most likely to garner the necessary support in the Senate; it certainly has the capacity to address the costs associated with carbon pollution as well as a mechanism to reallocate resources in order to minimize future pollution. I'm hopeful that it will be passed by the Senate in 2010."

"I'm a strong believer in using monthly utility bills to finance deep green renovation and energy efficiency; it's the simplest and most direct way to go about it. By providing ongoing financing and the ability to negotiate conservation rates, we could enable institutions that aren't in a position to assume more debt in a traditional way to contract with utilities-whether gas, electric, or sewer and water-and contractors to establish greater efficiency levels."

Thanks to James Brasuell

Monday, February 8, 2010 in The Planning Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of wide street in Cleveland, Ohio with blue 55th Street sign and red brick three-story building visible in right corner.

Cleveland to Boost Bike Safety With New Bike Lanes, School Programs

The program, using curriculum created by Cleveland Bikes, is part of a broader effort to improve safety along school routes.

5 seconds ago - Signal Cleveland

Aerial view of heavily damaged mobile homes after a hurricane in Florida.

Florida Home Insurers Disproportionately Dropping Low-Income Households

Non-renewal rates are highest in inland counties, not the coastal areas most immediately vulnerable to storms.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

"Altadena - Not For Sale" yard sign in front of burned down house after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California in January 2025.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations

Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.

July 7 - Dwell

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA