Transit advocates say the state’s carbon reduction strategy reveals a continued preference for car-oriented infrastructure.

Texas transportation advocates say the state Department of Transportation’s ‘Carbon Reduction Strategy’ does “the bare minimum” to reduce emissions in the transportation sector, writes Erin Douglas in the Texas Tribune, noting that the document is a requirement to receive federal transportation funds.
“According to the TxDOT draft document, a chunk of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act money will be transferred to a highway program, and the agency says highway expansions could be eligible for the funds because they will reduce congestion, thereby reducing emissions from idling cars.” As Douglas explains, the plan projects an increase in vehicle miles driven as the state’s population grows and promotes highway projects as a way to reduce congestion, although “Both public transportation and environmental advocates are critical of the agency’s argument that improving traffic flow will reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.”
Douglas adds, “The draft strategy doesn’t use the words ‘climate change’ and nor does it state the importance of reducing emissions to avoid worsening effects of climate change.” Meanwhile, TxDOT largely places the burden of building public transit on local agencies, though “The draft strategy also includes improvements in bicycling and walking infrastructure and projects that support the use of public transportation, such as pedestrian bridges.”
FULL STORY: Texas could spend federal funds meant to cut carbon emissions on highway projects

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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