Scott Thill makes the case for high speed rail, and how it can contribute to a more sustainable future nationwide -- but conservative politicians at the state level appear set to derail it.
The need for high-speed rail is great, and the opportunities are tremendous -- both for reducing energy consumption and emissions to say nothing of boosting job creation. Yet many conservative politicians seem bent on scuttling funding for projects at the state level. Thill lays why rail makes particular sense in California:
"California's high-speed rail project is a net win on fronts that truly matter. It may not make Republicans happy enough to stop becoming senseless obstructionists. It might not even soothe state Democrats like Cardoza, who claim to work for energy independence while overlooking one of the most ambitious alternative energy projects in California history. But if it is supported and realized, California's high-speed rail network could renew the state's economy, mobility and ingenuity, summarily setting it apart from states with charades that pass for political and environmental leadership. That is, until those states inevitably come to their senses."
Read more in-depth high-speed rail news at Planetizen's sister site, The Railist.
FULL STORY: The Future is Becoming More Clear
When Regressive is Progressive
With the two Democrat candidates debating who is the real progressive, it would be interesting to see how they would respond, if asked, about President Obama's proposed $10-per-barrel fee to fund a 21st Century Clean Transportation System.
Did Republicans Orchestrate a National High-Speed Derailment?
Was the demise of plans for high-speed rail in several states run by Republican governors the result of fiscal prudence or a case of political collusion? A new report in the Tampa Tribune suggests the latter.
Obama's Grand Rail Plans: What Went Wrong?
Four years after a historic down payment was made on Pres. Obama's plan to connect 80 percent of Americans to fast trains, "the prospects for a national high-speed rail system seem bleak." Politics and funding challenges have derailed the plan.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
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.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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
City of Claremont