What's wrong with S786, Energy Modernization Act

This afternoon, the NC House voted 63 - 52 (on second reading) to approve S786, Energy Modernization Act, the 2014 short session fracking bill.  The bill breaks the promise made by the state legislature twice - in 2012 and again in 2013 - that legislators would wait until state regulators finalized a new regulatory program before voting whether to allow issuance of fracking permits.  Beyond this, the bill fails to address the major threats fracking poses to public health, communities, and the environment in North Carolina.  The bill will be up for third reading on the House floor tomorrow.

Our more detailed take on the bill and its shortcomings is here.

Environmental justice for pedestrians

Say the phrase ‘environmental injustice’, and the image that springs to mind is likely has something to do with pollution or hazardous land uses sited in a low-wealth community or a community of color.  A couple of reports out this month illustrate another form of environmental injustice that affects millions of Americans: poor design of streets and sidewalks, leading to pedestrian fatalities.

Imagining a transition to a VMT fee in Michigan

Last month, a transportation research center at the University of Michigan issued the results of its study, commissioned by the Michigan Environmental Council, of how that state might transition to a mileage fee to pay for transportation spending.

The 'options paper' is short, clear, and raises an interesting option for collecting a VMT fee.

NCCN policy brief: equity and land use implications of a mileage tax

We've released the newest NCCN policy brief, examining the equity and land use implications of shifting from the gas tax to a mileage tax.

North Carolina, like the federal government, has seen revenues from the gas tax steadily erode in recent years.  Meanwhile, the cost of construction for transportation projects continues to rise.  Something's gotta give.

There's no indication that the NC General Assembly will enact a 'vehicle miles traveled' fee or tax this year.  But, in early April, a revenue committee of the NC Board of Transportation did discuss the concept, prompting coverage in state media. It's only a matter of time until the state has to grapple in earnest with how to design and launch a mileage tax, whatever it ends up being called.