3/4 of Public Transportation Measures Approved in 2010

November 10, 2010–Some involved new fees, taxes, or bonds, while others didn't dip into voters' wallets. Get a thumbnail sketch of each measure, and its fate at the hands of voters

EPA Proposes Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy Trucks, Buses

November 10, 2010–The standards, now in a 60-day comment period, cover three types of heavy trucks but would not apply to vehicles built before the 2014 model year.

Study: Winter Road Safety Means More Environmental Toxicity

September 15, 2010–Salt and other substances used to make roads and other paved surfaces safer contaminate water ways with deadly toxicity levels that can even last till summer in some areas, according to a USGS study.

15 States Get More Federal Recreational Trails

June 9, 2010–The National Trails system, already stretching more than 12,500 miles, expands with the addition of 31 more trails totalling 716 miles.

Local Officials, Residents, in Dark on Nearby Hazardous Rail Cargoes

April 21, 2010–Sixty-two U.S. urban areas are threatened by hazardous rail cargoes, but federal agencies still refuse to let many firefighters, governments, and citizens know the rail routes used to transport cargoes that could kill tens or hundreds of thousands.

Who's Biking/Walking in Your State and City?

March 3, 2010–The Alliance for Biking and Walking's second biennial report, while mainly a recitation of statistics, is a highly useful source of leads and context for transit-related stories.

Local Auto Shows Offer Hook for Covering Green Vehicles

January 20, 2010–   It may be worth covering an auto show near you this year, since greener cars of many stripes are drawing more attention by manufacturers, consumers, and regulators.

Lobbyists Target Hundreds of Billions in Transportation Spending

September 30, 2009–Congress must once again approve a 6-year plan for transportation funding. Lobbyists on all sides of the issues have already spent about $45 million in just the first half of 2009, according to the Center for Public Integrity.

EPA Rule Targets Aircraft Deicing Runoff

September 2, 2009–A proposed rule for control of fluid-contaminated runoff at primary commercial airports would reduce the substantial threats to drinking water, surface water, air quality, wildlife, plants, and soils at airports and the surrounding areas.

Plug-In Hybrids: Coming to a School Near You?

September 2, 2009–Current economic doldrums may impair the general market appeal of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for a while, but hybrid diesel schoolbuses are one aspect pulling into high gear.