AAA and the Chamber of Commerce fight environmentalists and transit planners who want to allow California voters to decide to add regional driver’s fees, either variable registration surcharges or new gas taxes, to fund climate protection measures.
"Legislation is working its way through the state Capitol that would allow cities (with voter approval) to levy higher car-registration fees and gas taxes."
The Assembly bill, which is now in the state Senate (and scheduled to be voted on 8/25), is meant to help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions" but also allow road maintenance projects.
"The bill...would allow regional transportation agencies to increase vehicle-license fees up to $90, depending on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Agencies would also be allowed to propose a 3 percent increase to a gallon of gasoline."
"A majority of the revenues would go to "climate protection" programs such as public transportation and infrastructure to promote bicycling and walking. One-fourth of the revenue would go to maintaining and rehabilitating "local streets and roads, the state highway system, sidewalks or bicycle routes."
"Any increase proposal would have to go to the voters in a regular election, but because the increases are considered fees, a simple majority would be needed to pass an initiative rather than the two-thirds majority needed to pass a new tax.
That has organizations such as the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Chamber of Commerce steamed. With gas prices at record highs, the idea of asking for more at the pump seems like the wrong place to hit California drivers, some say."
FULL STORY: Cost of driving could climb higher

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.

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

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.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
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Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
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