Tag

Infrastructure Bill

All articles tagged with #infrastructure bill

transportation1 year ago

"Amtrak's Expansion: New Pacific Northwest Routes and Updated Passenger Rail Maps"

The Federal Railroad Administration has revealed its preferred plan for expanding Amtrak's long-distance services, which could potentially add 15 new routes to the national map, including two in the Pacific Northwest. These routes would serve destinations without current train service, such as Yakima, Boise, Missoula, and Pocatello. The expansion is a result of President Biden's infrastructure bill and aims to enhance access to medical centers, educational institutions, and national parks, while also providing service to millions of Americans. The proposed routes would restore previously discontinued services and could lead to the development of a denser national passenger rail network.

politics1 year ago

"Chamber of Commerce Challenges Biden Administration's Digital Equity Rules"

House Republicans are introducing a resolution to disapprove of the Biden administration's "digital discrimination" rules, which they argue is a federal government power grab over the internet. The rules, implemented as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aim to prevent digital discrimination in access to broadband services based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin. Critics argue that the rules could widen the digital divide and stifle investment in broadband deployments, while supporters believe they will protect civil rights and increase internet access. The resolution would need to pass the House and Senate before reaching President Biden's desk.

politics2 years ago

"Minnesota Governor Exposes Republican Hypocrisy on Biden Projects"

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called out Republican Rep. Pete Stauber for taking credit for federal funding projects, including a bridge repair, that he had voted against in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Stauber and other Republicans who opposed the bill have been championing projects in their districts that secured funding from the legislation, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from Democrats.

politics2 years ago

"Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Sparks Electric Vehicle Growth Amid Bidenomics Challenges"

President Joe Biden's plan to build a nationwide network of chargers for electric cars is facing challenges due to politics and the limitations of his "Bidenomics" approach. Despite pledging to install half a million chargers, not a single new charger has been installed with the allocated $7.5 billion from the infrastructure bill. Biden's insistence on quantity over quality has resulted in slower Level 2 chargers that are inadequate for road trips. Additionally, the Buy American provision in the bill and the rejection of flexibility requests have further hindered progress. The blending of politics and industry in industrial policy often derails ambitious goals, and both Democrats and Republicans have faced frustrations in implementing their corporatist approaches.

energy2 years ago

"Biden Administration Unveils $7 Billion in Hydrogen Hub Grants for Clean Energy Initiatives"

The Biden administration is set to announce the recipients of $7 billion in federal grants on Friday to establish regional hydrogen hubs, aiming to produce 50 million metric tons of clean hydrogen fuel by 2050. The initiative, known as the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, will fund six to ten hubs across the United States, with the goal of replacing fossil fuels in sectors like manufacturing and cement production. The grants are expected to attract significant state and private sector investment, and the announcement comes as President Biden travels to Philadelphia to discuss clean energy and job creation.

politics2 years ago

"Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Flight Delays and Airspace Management"

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses the need for changes to manage airspace more efficiently, addressing recent flight disruptions caused by severe weather. He acknowledges the importance of tackling air traffic control staffing issues and outlines plans to hire more controllers and improve staffing models. Buttigieg also highlights efforts to use new technology and engage with the space industry to optimize airspace usage. Additionally, he emphasizes the urgency of infrastructure projects to enhance resilience in the face of severe weather impacts. The interview also touches on Buttigieg's views on recent Supreme Court rulings and the broader culture wars.

politics2 years ago

"Biden Mocks GOP Senator for Celebrating Broadband Funding He Opposed"

President Joe Biden mocked Senator Tommy Tuberville for celebrating the broadband funding that his state of Alabama received from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, despite Tuberville having voted against the bill. Biden tweeted a sarcastic response to Tuberville's tweet, and later mocked him during speeches in Chicago. Tuberville's spokesperson defended the senator's actions, stating that he opposed the bill due to concerns about wasteful spending but believes that Alabama deserves its fair share of the funding now that it has become law.

politics2 years ago

The Debate Over Gas Stove Bans: A Look at New York's Bold Move.

Most Senate Democrats voted against an amendment pitched by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) that would have restricted gas stove bans during negotiations over the bipartisan infrastructure bill in 2021. The amendment would have limited grant funds from the bill going to new building codes that restricted or prohibited the use of natural gas. On Wednesday, New York became the first state to ban natural gas after Gov. Hochul struck a budget deal with Democratic supermajorities in the state legislature to prevent all new buildings under seven stories from having gas hookups by 2026.