With several of the state's metro areas failing federal clear air standards, Texas lawmakers are dramatically increasing funding to a program that help drivers of older cars buy new, less polluting vehicles.
"A clean-air bill aimed at removing 50,000 polluting vehicles from state roadways by subsidizing more Texans to buy newer models won unanimous approval in the Texas Senate on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 12 by Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, is part of an effort to bring the greater Houston and Dallas areas into compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.
The Senate's proposed state budget would back the effort with $440 million in emissions-reduction funding - a $170 million increase over the next two years."
"...A family of four with a $60,000 annual income or less could qualify for a $2,500 grant toward a new car or a $3,500 grant for a hybrid."
"Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, added an amendment that would include purchases of late-model used cars, but the details are still to be worked out. The law also retains repair grants of $600 to help vehicles meet pollution standards."
FULL STORY: Senate approves clean-air proposal
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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