Key House and Senate lawmakers and White House officials are suggesting momentum is building in Congress for a transportation bill that could include a directive for an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan, though details of the funding mechanisms to pay for the transportation measure remain under wraps.
Key House and Senate lawmakers and White House officials are suggesting momentum is building in Congress for a transportation bill that could include a directive for an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan, though details of the funding mechanisms to pay for the transportation measure remain under wraps.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) already passed its portion of the transportation bill in 2011, and EPW Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) told reporters Jan. 26 there is “great progress” in an effort to get the bill to the floor, but the Senate finance and banking panels need to pass their portions of the bill.
Increased prospects for action on the transportation legislation come after Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said he was misquoted on remarks in which he appeared to downplay the bill's chances.
In subsequent Jan. 26 remarks at the Washington DC auto show, LaHood said he had been misquoted, and cited indications of further action in both the House and Senate as evidence that the bill remains live. "Hallelujah," LaHood said. "Maybe we'll get a bill this year. I've got my fingers crossed." LaHood touted reports that a deal had been reached on the roughly $13 billion in funding needed for the Senate measure.
Boxer added that she had spoken with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and that transportation bill related markups appear imminent the week of Jan. 30 in the Senate Finance and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committees. The current transportation law is slated to expire at the end of March.
The EPW-passed measure includes language sought by Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) calling for the Transportation Department to develop a plan for a national network of EV corridors and recharging infrastructure for the vehicles. Boxer's panel, however, did not include language proposed by clean air subcommittee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) calling for a national oil reduction goal. Carper has vowed to bring the issue up again on the Senate floor.
In a further sign of action the Senate banking panel, which has jurisdiction for public transit, announced Jan. 27 its intent to hold a markup Feb. 2. The Senate finance panel has not yet announced its timetable.
Indications of House activity on the transportation measure include the expected release of a separate five year measure by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) early during the week of Jan. 30. An already circulating outline of that measure says states would receive greater discretion than under current law to set their own transportation priorities, and also says the measure "consolidates or eliminates" nearly 70 federal programs.
The House Natural Resources Committee is planning a Feb. 1 markup of its portion of the House GOP's energy and jobs bill, in the wake of GOP proposals that additional revenues from energy development should be used to fund highways. Some say a House Ways and Means markup that same week is also planned.
But the efforts come amid continuing questions on whether the transportation bill will become bogged down by controversies, including legislative proposals to approve the Keystone tar sands pipeline and boost oil drilling.