State of the Union

A close up image of the exterior of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda illuminated at dusk.

Senate Vote Illustrates America's Polarized Response to Pandemic

A Senate joint resolution to roll back the Biden administration's only vaccine mandate to be upheld by the Supreme Court passed on a party-line vote on March 2. In Europe, the legislative branch often needs to approve these measures to become law.

March 7, 2022 - The New York Times

Gas Pump

The Missing Sanctions on Russia

President Biden took aim at Russia in his State of the Union address for the war it has started in Ukraine, vowing that they will "pay a price" which so far has yet to extend to their oil and gas exports.

March 6, 2022 - The Associated Press

President Donald Trump

Trump's State of the Union: More on Infrastructure in Democrats' Response

The president spoke briefly about infrastructure in his third State of the Union address last Tuesday, urging Congress to pass the bipartisan America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had a lot more to say.

February 10, 2020 - Transport Topics

New York City

State of the Union: Infrastructure Week Is Finally Over

Infrastructure went from playing a major role in the State of the Union address a year ago. This year infrastructure warranted barely even a nod—about 62 words, in fact.

February 6, 2019 - James Brasuell

President George W. Bush

Tracking Mentions of Infrastructure in the State of the Union

In preparation for tonight's State of the Union address, consider the role of "transportation" and "infrastructure" in previous State of the Union addresses dating back to 1999.

February 5, 2019 - Eno Center for Transportation

State of the Union: The Major Policy President Trump Missed

No, this post is not about the Russia investigation nor #MeToo, but the state of climate policy in the U.S. after President Trump's first year. Surprisingly, it's not as bad as one might think, no thanks to Trump though.

February 1, 2018 - The New York Times - Climate

Address To Joint Session Of Congress

What the State of the Union Revealed About Urban Planning Under the Trump Administration

President Trump's first State of the Union address followed the rhetoric of his campaign and first year in office, offering few details about promised infrastructure investments and avoiding substantive discussion about the future of cities.

January 31, 2018 - James Brasuell

Interior Department Halts New Coal Leases on Federal Lands

Following-up on the president's assertion in his State of the Union address to better manage coal and oil resources on federal lands to account for environmental and financial costs, the administration declared a 'pause' on issuing new coal leases.

January 18, 2016 - US News & World Report

FAST Act Missing from President Obama's Last State of the Union Address

President Obama's final State of the Union made no mention of the FAST Act—the first long term transportation reauthorization since SAFETEA-LU, which expired in 2009. It's omission baffled many high ranking leaders.

January 15, 2016 - Politico Morning Transportation

Mapping the Places Referenced by 224 State of the Union Speeches

If you're into place names and the history of presidential politics, we have just the map for you.

January 23, 2015 - The Atlantic

State of the Union Roundup: On Rent and Infrastructure

In describing the state of the union, President Barack Obama addressed a issues of professional and personal concern to Planetizen readers.

January 21, 2015 - Medium

Energy Policy in State of the Union Upsets Some Environmentalists

In his State of the Union address, President Obama touted his "all of the above" energy policy which was bemoaned by some environmental groups who are upset with his embrace of natural gas as a "bridge fuel" to a clean energy future.

January 30, 2014 - Huff Post Green

State of the Union Notable for What Wasn't Addressed

In prior State of the Unions, President Obama has put forth bold plans for building high-speed rail, tackling climate change and transitioning to alternative energy sources. Facing an obstinate Congress, he outlined a more modest agenda last night.

January 29, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment

In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.

February 13, 2013 - The Washington Post

Parsing the State of the Union Address for Planners

Three pieces on last night's State of the Union address by President Obama focused largely on what wasn't said, than what was, concerning Energy, Infrastructure, and Urbanism.

January 25, 2012 - the transport politic

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