Oberstar this morning. U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) has thrown down quite a gauntlet in his public standoff with the Obama administration about the prospects of a new transportation bill. Oberstar released his bill earlier this week (he’s Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) and he (and other House members) has rebuffed Department … Read more
The House Climate Bill that is set for a vote this Friday could help fill a transportation investment pot that states could put toward bike projects. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) would raise money from polluters that go over their allowed emissions levels, an amount estimated to be $70 billion by … Read more
“The use of cell phones is increasing so much that we have to get a handle on it now.”— Ginny Burdick (D-Portland) After several years of trying, the Oregon Legislature has passed a law that will make the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle illegal. House bill 2377, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn … Read more
“Over reliance on automobiles can have adverse impacts on public health, both through lessened physical activity and from increased pollutants.”— from the bill’s description of the Office of Livability U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has released the full text of the federal transportation bill. Calling it the “Surface … Read more
Rep. Jim Oberstar speaking at the 2007 National Bike Summit.(Photos © J. Maus) Today — the man who just two years ago stood in front of 2,000 Cycle Oregon riders in lycra shorts (after he himself battled the day’s grueling climb) and told them he would “thread the language of bicycles into the federal transportation … Read more
U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.(Photo © J. Maus) U.S. Transporation Secretary Ray LaHood issued a statement today proposing an immediate, 18-month “highway reauthorization” to the current transportation bill. The proposal is being made in an attempt to replenish the ailing Highway Trust Fund that could run out of cash by late August. Also, beyond the … Read more
HB 2377, a bill sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Tomei that looks to strengthen laws against people who use mobile devices (texting or talking) while driving, has made it out of the Senate Rules Committee (where it was stuck last time we checked in) and is headed for a vote on the Senate floor.
Rep. Carolyn Tomei Last time we checked in on HB 2377, it was on its way to easy passage on the House floor. It got through the House at the end of April by a vote of 38-22. Since then, it has had one reading in the Senate, bounced around to committees and work sessions … Read more
An exercise equipment store.(Photo © J. Maus) A bill introduced by the United States House of Representatives in April would allow Americans to spend up to $1,000 in pre-tax dollars in a “flex-spend” account for the purchase of “qualified sports and fitness expenses.” The Public Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act of 2009 (H.R. 2105, cleverly … Read more
“The transportation package passed today is the most environmentally progressive in Oregon’s history.”— From a statement by the Oregon Senate Democrats The Oregon State Senate has voted in favor of House Bill 2001 by a margin of 24-6. The bill, which backers say will create 4,600 jobs a year, did not include any changes from … Read more
As the work intensifies on Capitol Hill to re-write America’s next surface transportation bill, the lobbying is heating up to make sure it includes more money for biking and walking. As the prime pusher of pedaling in Congress, Rep. Earl Blumenauer will play an important role in making sure those who are writing the bill … Read more
It’s the morning after for Governor Kulongoski’s big transportation bill and a coalition of concerned advocates are trying to rally opposition. Last Friday, a special joint committee polished off final amendments and sent House Bill 2001 to the House and Senate Floors for a vote that will likely happen this week. After seeing those amendments, … Read more