Transportation Reauthorization Promotes Efficiency
In early March 2012, the Senate passed its bipartisan, short-term surface transportation reauthorization bill, the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)” Act (S.1813). The bill offered the first significant legislative step toward a reauthorization of the nation's transportation program.
MAP-21 to Boost Energy Efficiency in Transportation
If passed, MAP-21 would take important steps to make our transportation systems more efficient. In fact, MAP-21 would help the United States use less energy, reduce our dependence on oil, spur economic growth, reduce pollution and enhance access for all travelers. To that end, S. 1813 would include several energy efficiency provisions:
- Requiring states to establish performance targets for roads and bridges. Performance targets would incorporate traffic monitoring and infrastructure-based, smart systems to identify ways to increase mobility, lower costs and reduce environmental impacts;
- Promoting carpooling and other substitutes on congested roads to reduce emissions and improve traffic flow;
- Giving states and regions the flexibility to invest in a broad set of transit and planning options – including bicycle/pedestrian and travel demand management projects; and
- Restoring tax-free transit benefits for commuters to encourage use of alternative commuting options that ease congestion and pollution, and to restore equity with parking benefits.
Energy & Transportation
Our cars, trucks and other vehicles use a significant amount of energy:
- The transportation sector consumes roughly 28% of all end-use energy in the United States.
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, highway vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are projected to grow 60% by 2030.
- Highway vehicle travel accounts for 81% of American transportation energy consumption.
Different transportation modes and better coordination of transportation and land use planning will be essential to address the escalating VMT rate and the national economic, environmental and security problems associated with increased energy use.
MAP-21 to Create Jobs, Save Money
Enactment of MAP-21 could repair our present transportation infrastructure, as well as create or sustain nearly 3 million domestic jobs by investing in clean transportation options and updated traffic management technologies. The bill would also reduce fuel use and save consumers money via public transit and intelligent system programs. Moreover, MAP-21 would provide Americans with better access to clean, affordable transportation choices such as public transit, biking and walking.
