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Mobility 2050: A Vision for Transportation Infrastructure

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Figure 1: Factors Influencing Transportation System Performance

ASSOCIATION OF EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS (AEM)
NORTHWESTERN ENGINEERING TRANSPORTATION CENTER
Supported by a grant from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Northwestern University’s Transportation Center undertook an exploration of the factors, needs, and opportunities facing U.S. transportation infrastructure in the next 35 years. The objective of the study was not to forecast the future, but to frame the possibilities and thus to inform the public and policy makers about future needs for transportation infrastructure.

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Posted in Aging Infrastructure, Funding, Infra Views, National, Policy, Sustainability

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A National Strategy for Energy Security: The Innovation Revolution

Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Oil Price Chart

SECURING AMERICA’S ENERGY FUTURE
ENERGY SECURITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Too often, America’s exposure to the risks of oil dependence has been measured by consumers and
policymakers as a function of the price of oil at a specific point in time or our level of reliance on foreign
suppliers. The result has been long periods of inaction and inattention after each crisis, which simply
leaves the country dangerously exposed for the inevitable next crisis. The risk of such complacence
today is high. Low oil prices have reduced the sense of urgency shared throughout the country as
recently as 2014. Yet just as it has been so many times before, the oil market is in the midst of a cycle.
We must be better prepared when the tide once again turns.

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Posted in Competitiveness, Energy, Global, Infra Views, Policy, Sustainability, Technology

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The True Cost of Fossil Fuels

Monday, May 23rd, 2016
Figure 1: Global change in primary energy use with REmap Options, 2030

INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)
The reduction of pollution and climate impact through rapidly increased use of renewable energy by 2030 could save up to USD 4.2 trillion per year worldwide, 15 times the associated costs of doubling the share of renewables. Today’s energy markets, however, do not adequately value climate impact or air pollution. Energy and environmental policies need to correct for these externalities.

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Posted in Climate Change, Energy, Global, Green, Infra Views, Policy, Pollution, Sustainability

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A Policymaker’s Guide to Digital Infrastructure

Friday, May 20th, 2016
Table 1: Typology of Transportation Infrastructure

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOUNDATION (ITIF)
Infrastructure has always been important to nations’ economic growth and success, but the infrastructure needed for today’s economy is rapidly changing with advances in information and communications technology (ICT). This new infrastructure—some of it hybrid infrastructure that integrates both physical and digital aspects, some of it pure digital infrastructure—is critical to delivering the next wave of innovation and economic growth to all but the very poorest of nations.

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Posted in Aviation, Broadband, Energy, Infra Views, Public Transportation, Roads, Technology, Transit

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Bridging the Gap Together: A New Model to Modernize U.S. Infrastructure

Thursday, May 19th, 2016
MUCH NEEDED FUNDS TO IMPROVE OUR ECONOMY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER
We have an extraordinary opportunity in America — to confront the pressure being placed on our nation’s roads, water systems, ports, airports, and energy grid with available private capital. This report establishes the framework to unite projects that need funding with private capital ready to invest in a transparent system that allocates risks and resources to the public’s benefit.

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Posted in Bipartisan, Funding, Infra Views, National, Policy, Private Investment

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Paying for Local Infrastructure in a New Era of Federalism

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
Paying for local infrastructure in a new era of federalism

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
Most cities are limited in terms of the number and scope of infrastructure funding tools. Cities also face additional implementation hurdles like county administration overlays and voter approval requirements. Of course, cities are marrying the tools explored here with others, but a patchwork of tactics will only take them so far. Cities need a more deliberate approach that recognizes the central role of infrastructure in the success of our nation’s economic engines…This report presents a state-by-state analysis and comparison of the local tools to fund infrastructure, including local option taxes and fees, such as sales taxes, fuel taxes and motor vehicle fees, as well as emerging mechanisms like state infrastructure banks and public-private partnerships.

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Posted in Aging Infrastructure, Funding, Infra Views, National, Policy, Urban Planning

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Failure to Act: Closing the Infrastructure Investment Gap for America’s Economic Future

Tuesday, May 17th, 2016
Losses to the National Economy Due to Infrastructure Investment Gaps

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS (ASCE)
From 2016 to 2025, each household will lose $3,400 each year in disposable income due to infrastructure deficiencies; and if not addressed, the loss will grow to an average of $5,100 annually from 2026 to 2040, resulting in cumulative losses up to almost $34,000 per household from 2016 to 2025 and almost $111,000 from 2016 to 2040 (all dollars in 2015 value).

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Posted in Aging Infrastructure, Funding, Infra Views, National

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Industry X-Ray from Infrastructure Stakeholders

Monday, May 16th, 2016
US GDP Per Capita (1950–2025)

CG/LA INFRASTRUCTURE
As part of the Blueprint 2025 initiative focused on developing a roadmap for the U.S. presidential administration that will take office on January 20, 2017, CG/LA Infrastructure has just completed a survey of just over 120 infrastructure professionals, from both the public and private sectors, across the United States. The purpose of the survey was to identify how the professional U.S. infrastructure community – across all sectors, geographies and disciplines – views the current state of U.S. infrastructure.

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Posted in Aging Infrastructure, Infra Views, National, Policy, Private Investment, Public Opinion

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Billions for Red Tape: Focusing on the Approval Process for the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project

Friday, May 13th, 2016

COMMON GOOD
Two new rail tunnels need to be built under the Hudson River to alleviate a critical rail bottleneck and permit overhaul of century-old tunnels. The purpose of this report is to outline the economic and environmental costs of different permitting timetables, and to propose approval mechanisms that will save taxpayers billions and avoid significant environmental harm.

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Posted in Infra Views, Local, Policy, Rail

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New Principles for Our Transportation Program

Thursday, May 12th, 2016
Century Foundation: New Principles for Our Transportation Program

THE CENTURY FOUNDATION
The next president will need to create a true and comprehensive vision of America’s transportation infrastructure, a program to pursue that vision, and honest mechanisms to fund it. This report addresses the new principles that should serve as a foundation for a future transportation program that will enable America to meet its potential.

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Posted in Biking, Bipartisan, Competitiveness, Infra Views, National, Policy, Public Transportation, Rail, Roads, Smart Growth

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