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- Chinese airlines are in a huff about having their business yoinked by new HSR lines, and are calling for “policy support,” which is actually just a tax break. By 2020, 80% of domestic flights will compete directly with cheaper rail routes. (Bloomberg)
- The US DOT is considering a request to include a route from Cleveland to Pittsburgh in its HSR plans. The existing Keystone Corridor through Pennsylvania accommodates trains up to 110 mph; OH and PA want to create jobs and strengthen regional economies by extending it further. (AkronNewsNow)
- “Political types who dominate the rail authority” have some seeing the CA HSR plans as a glass half-empty. Basically, the people in charge are a bunch of crooks and liars who want to siphon state money into their bank accounts and hate parks, rivers, and the citizens of California. (LA Weekly)
- The latest cost estimate for Illinois’ 110 mph HSR plan is at $4.5 billion, but the project “isn’t high speed” and isn’t worth the cost, says a rail advocate. It just doesn’t reduce travel time that much. The alternative? A $12-13 billion, 220 mph route from Chicago to St. Louis. (Chicago Business)




























Launching A Livable Communities Task Force In Congress
Monday, October 19th, 2009As Chairman of the Livable Communities Task Force, this is an exciting moment for me. When I first came to Congress thirteen years ago, people sometimes looked at me funny when I used the term “livability.” They had no idea what I was talking about. Today, not only are blogs like yours dedicated to transportation, infrastructure, and livability, but other leaders in Washington are talking about how to make our communities more livable. The Obama Administration is leading on this issue, having recently established the Partnership for Sustainable Communities with six “livability principles” for coordinating policy across the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
What a difference a year makes.
The Task Force is made up of twenty members from around the nation who are leaders on everything from transportation and building efficiency to renewable energy and community gardening. In the coming months, we will work with members of the administration to hold briefings and strategy sessions on everything from the livability provisions in the energy and climate legislation that passed the House to the pending transportation reauthorization.
After spending a lifetime in public service working to make our nation’s communities more livable, it feels like the pieces are coming together. America was ready for change when President Obama came into office. It is exciting that in ten months we are moving legislation that will rein in global warming pollution. With the leadership of Secretary LaHood and Chairman Oberstar, we are gearing up for a transportation bill that will make smart investments in low-carbon transportation, give people more commuting choices, and reduce America’s dependence on oil.
It is an honor to lead this unique Task Force and, and I am eager to work with Congressional leaders and members of the administration who are committed to protecting our environment and making our communities safer, healthier, and more economically secure.
Earl Blumenauer represents Oregon’s 3rd Congressional district.
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