Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), current ranking member and incoming chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation surprised the media when he announced on a Sunday morning talk show that a gas tax increase is possible.
"In an interview on 'Fox News Sunday,' Thune said, 'I don’t think we take anything off the table at this point. Those discussions continue… It is important that we fund infrastructure,' writes David Keup of the National Monitor.
All but a handful of politicians have ruled out the idea of raising the dreaded gas tax. Even President Obama stated, "In fairness to members of Congress, votes on gas taxes are really tough. Gas prices are one of those things that really bug people." [Politico Morning Transportation, Dec. 4].
Republican Sen. Bob Corker and Democrat Chris Murphy have championed a 12-cents gas tax increase, yet it remains a proposal, and Thune isn't a public backer.
In the House, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and retiring Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.) co-sponsored a 15-cents gas tax bill. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) also has a gas tax bill.
"A huge challenge for the next Congress will be finding the funds to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent when the current patch bill expires on May 31," as noted here earlier.
FULL STORY: National Monitor: Republicans: We will consider raising federal fuel tax
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)