Since 1975, environmentalists and their allies have fought to raise fuel efficiency standards in new vehicles. On Tuesday, another attempt was made. Meanwhile, an academic think tank testifies for an alternative approach, albeit an unpopular one.
In March, the Bush administration raised the efficiency standard for light trucks by 1.8 miles by 2011, a move Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta called a "bold step forward".
"Many in Congress say the time has finally come, after about 30 years, to significantly boost the 27.5 mile-per-gallon Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard first set in 1977."
"The latest idea came Tuesday when Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, proposed a sharp increase of 10 miles a gallon by 2016."
"At stake in the debate is nothing less than the future price of gasoline and the growing world of alternative fuels, the fate of tens of thousands of auto manufacturing jobs and the chances for lessening the impact of automotive emissions on global warming."
Thanks to ABAG-MTC Library
Read the full story: Administration, senators argue fuel strategies
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing
The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Raised interest rates may kill financially vulnerable construction projects
The chief economist at ConstructConnect warns that if construction project owners are negatively impacted by the raised rates, it could result in delayed payments to contractors.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello