Recent Streetsblog SF posts about Car Culture

A Step Towards Pricing of Pollution? 11 States Back Low-Carbon Fuel Rules

By Elana Schor | Jan 4, 2010 | No Comments

While many in Washington spent their holiday breaks wondering if Senate Democratic opposition would deal a major blow to progress on a climate change bill, 11 northeastern governors were agreeing on a deal that suggests otherwise. (Photo: Scientific American) The 11 governors vowed to develop a shared low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) that would cut the […]

Cellular Industry Gives Big Tobacco a Run for Its Money

By Brad Aaron | Dec 8, 2009 | No Comments

Western Union cellphone ad from 1984. Image via NYT Concerns arose not long after it hit the market. External studies seemed to confirm what industry insiders feared: The product could pose a public health risk. But as sales soared, whistleblowers who didn’t leave their jobs were forced to keep quiet. Companies maintained a posture of […]

EPA Makes it Official: Emissions Threaten Public Health

By Elana Schor | Dec 7, 2009 | 2 Comments

Acting under a Supreme Court mandate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled today that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and contribute to the harmful environmental effects of climate change, paving the way for pollution regulations under the Clean Air Act. (Photo: TreeHugger) "Today, EPA announced that greenhouse gases threaten the health and welfare of […]

LaHood to Congress: It’s Time to Talk About a Gas Tax Increase

By Elana Schor | Nov 30, 2009 | No Comments

As Congress maneuvers to end the political impasse over the next long-term national transportation bill, lawmakers going to have to debate an increase in the federal gas tax, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (Photo: Getty Images) In his remarks at a Fort Worth transportation meeting, first reported by the local […]

“The Highway to Play a Vital Role in the Progress of Civilization”

By Matthew Roth | Nov 30, 2009 | 4 Comments

Disney’s Magic Highway USA is one of the more extraordinary examples of the myopic devotion to automobility and its infrastructure I’ve ever seen. It’s probably also required viewing at the Reason Foundation and among Senator James Inhofe’s staff in Washington DC. "As in the past, the highway will continue to play a vital role in […]

Oil-Centric Houston to Experiment With (Coal-Powered) Electric Cars

By Elana Schor | Nov 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

Houston has long enjoyed its status as America’s oil capital, the type of city where the local Petroleum Club threw a $100,000 gala during a period of then-record high gas prices. But things are changing, thanks to a light rail system that is exceeding ridership predictions and encouraging pedestrian-friendly development. One of Houston’s new charging […]

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