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Transportation and Infrastructure

June 16, 2008

King of the Road

A Q&A with House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar

Highway Bill One Answer to Gas Price Spike

Although the soaring price of gasoline is attracting the most attention from Americans, lawmakers are hoping that a half- trillion-dollar highway bill could deal with more systemic problems in the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

GOP Offers Same Drilling Drivel

If nothing else, give President Bush points for consistency. Seven years ago, when a gallon of gas cost $1.46, he wanted to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Now, when that same gallon costs nearly $4 — with diesel fuel approaching $5 a gallon — the former Texas oilman has announced a bold new solution: Drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge!

New Manhattan Project Is Best Energy Solution

The United States should launch a new five-year Manhattan Project to put America firmly on the path to clean energy independence. This is the real way to deal with gasoline and electricity prices, clean air, climate change and national security.

Transport in United States at a Crossroads

With the 2005 passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Congress enacted the largest public works bill in our nation’s history. However, despite the historic investment levels included in that legislation, we continue to fall further behind in meeting our challenges.

Tight Budget Times Not Friendly to Legislation

Next year, Congress is slated to chart a renewed course for our transportation system by reauthorizing the highway bill, legislation that encompasses mass transit and all forms of surface transportation infrastructure.

Highway System Key to Growing Economy

Few things are as vital to economic development as our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

U.S. Markets Grounded in Expanding Transport

Throughout American history, economic development has always followed the routes established by transportation infrastructure.

Aviation Safety Must Be Top Priority

These are tumultuous times for the airline industry. The unprecedented and rapid increase in the cost of oil and fuel is threatening the health of airlines. The subsequent increase in ticket prices and fees will discourage passengers from flying. Consumer complaints, delays and safety concerns have been prominently featured in the media, and the summer travel season is just getting under way. A recent estimate predicted financial losses for airlines this year could surpass $6 billion. One major airline merger is under review,

U.S. Air Traffic Control Needs Modernization

A dire situation is facing the U.S. airline industry because of the slowing economy and oil prices as high as $130 per barrel. Since December 2007, nine airlines have filed for bankruptcy and eight of those nine have ceased operations altogether. In survival mode, airlines are seeking ways to increase revenue and cut costs. Domestic capacity cuts of 20 percent are likely this year.

Residents Ditch Cars for Light Rail

Skyrocketing gas prices. Inflated air travel costs. The rising costs of consumer goods that rely on oil for production. Everywhere we turn, economic concerns are driving a new revolution for how we travel in America.

Get Creative to Meet Growing Need for Rail

Each dreaded stop at a gas pump and every infuriating minute spent idling in bumper-to-bumper traffic are nagging reminders of the nation’s growing transportation challenges.