For years, environmentalists have demanded expanded public transit service as a way of offsetting pollution caused by the Big Dig in Boston –- but are they focusing on the wrong issue?
As the Big Dig project began in 1990, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) made a deal with the Boston-based Conservation Law Foundation to ensure that the construction efforts complied with the national Clear Air Act: "The logic was simple: provide more, and more convenient, public transportation, and more people will leave their air-fouling cars at home." Now it's 2006, and the MBTA has not lived up to its part of the bargain, increasing controversy. But is the focus on public transit missing the point?
"Of course, all of these deliberations take for granted the fact that the best way to decrease pollution is through public-transit projects. But in fact, some suggest that such an assumption may be foolhardy. Train-transit projects, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars and achieve modest air-quality benefits, might be less effective than pushing for higher vehicle-emission standards, better fuel efficiency, and various other clean-energy goals."
FULL STORY: T-easing pollution

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.

‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.

NYC Open Streets Organizers Call for City Support
The number of open streets projects has dropped year after year as volunteer groups struggle to fund and staff them.
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