Lauren RabainoJust days before the inauguration, Obama takes a historic journey to enter Washington, D.C. by train, a symbolic message of his commitment to revitalize the Nation’s public transportation networks. As America aims to wean its dependence on foreign oil, California seeks a federal stimulus plan to support transportation programs, such as the recently passed high-speed rail project as a way to stimulate the states crumbling economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is often criticized for providing minimal oversight to state governments, rather than investing in smart infrastructure. California has all too often succumbed to the forces of land developers and contractors that have significant lobbying power to misallocate funds away from public transportation options. The state has proposed that only a third of the proposed stimulus budget is allocated to public transportation, while a third would be allocated to building new roads.
In tight budgetary times, the federal government is ill-equipped to address all the financial needs to reinvent the transportation sector. If Obama is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the dependence on foreign oil, providing green jobs and improving local economies, he will have to make tough decisions about where and how to invest in infrastructure. Does he invest in the expansion of highways or does he create opportunities for high-speed rail and intercity transit options? Does he invest in fueling the future of automobiles or does he put money into programs that will revitalize streets to make room for bicyclists and pedestrians?
In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, Obama makes it clear that he is committed to energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and biofuels. He plans to double renewable energy production and improve energy efficiency in government buildings and two million American households. However, energy efficiency and technological advances alone are not enough to curb the over-dependence on automobile transportation. Therefore, transportation investments need to be a critical component to improve energy efficiency.
To achieve the nations new vision, the federal government must share the decision-making power with local governments familiar with the most pressing community transit needs. Obama should give California performance standards that mandate the prioritization of transit, bicycle and pedestrian options. California must be made accountable for meeting the country’s new objectives to reduce oil dependence, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen the economy through wise infrastructure improvement.
Supporting transportation investments is a critical component to meeting the rising challenges to fighting climate change and stabling the economy. The opportunities in times of transitionary moments become clear because ideas are weighed more heavily in formulating bold new direction. Encourage your congress people to lobby and support public transportation investments to ensure a healthy, safe and accessible California.
Nancy Cole is a Mustang Daily columnist, a city and regional planning senior and the former vice-president of the Empower Poly Coalition.