Latest news with #GloriaShepherd
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Oregon joins suit against federal transportation agencies for withholding EV charger funding
An electric vehicle is charged at the Woodburn Transit Facility in Oregon May 24, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation). Oregon's attorney general is joining a lawsuit against the heads of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, who are withholding hundreds of millions in funding for electric vehicle chargers already approved by Congress and promised to states. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, is led by attorneys general in Washington, California and Colorado, along with 13 other Democratic attorneys general. Named as defendants are the U.S. Department of Transportation and its secretary, Sean Duffy, as well as the Federal Highway Administration and its acting administrator, Gloria Shepherd. The attorneys general argue only Congress, not federal agency leaders or the president, can rescind remaining grant funding that lawmakers approved in 2022 for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Oregon in 2021 was awarded $52 million to spend on expanding EV chargers and charging infrastructure around the state over five years. 'Oregon's own analysis shows we need five times more public EV chargers along our highways by 2030 just to keep up with the number of electric cars hitting the roads,' Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release. 'If federal funding is delayed or cut off, it puts us at serious risk of falling behind on our climate goals and leaves drivers without the charging infrastructure they need.' Congress in 2022 approved $5 billion in funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The grants were meant to help states build charging networks along highways and interstates, and the Federal Highway Administration had already approved states' plans. A Jan. 20 executive order signed by President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to stop dispersing all funds formerly approved under that act. The Federal Highway Administration in February told states that the agency would rescind previous approvals for state plans meant to expand their EV charging networks, leaving them ineligible for remaining funds. Oregon's Department of Transportation planned to use the money to build out 11 'alternative fuel corridors' on highways around the state that would have dozens of fast charging stations with more than 150 fast charging and Level 2 chargers among them. A DC fast-charger can get an electric car 80% charged within about 20 minutes. A Level 2 charger can get an electric vehicle 80% charged in 4 to 10 hours and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 80% charged in about 1 to 2 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Statewide, Oregon needs 8,000 to 13,000 public, DC fast-chargers and 12,000 to 50,000 Level 2 chargers by 2030 to meet demand from the growing number of electric vehicles used in the state, according to the state transportation department. Currently, there are about 3,800 public EV chargers located at more than 1,400 stations throughout Oregon, according to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Oregon's transportation department has already planned for $26 million in grant spending on engineering, construction and EV charger installations along 11 alternative fuel corridors, primarily on U.S. Highway 97 and Interstate 205, as well as Interstate 5 south of Eugene. But since February, the agency has been cut off from $15 million more it was supposed to receive this year under the grant. The uncertainty around being fully funded to finish projects leaves the agency's plans hanging in the balance. 'Without those funds, ODOT cannot develop eight of the eleven corridors, representing a loss of at least 40 fast charging stations, or a minimum of 160 charging ports. This accounts for roughly seventy-five percent (75%) of the estimated number of stations ODOT planned to develop,' the attorneys general included in the lawsuit. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NH delegation asks feds to 'quickly' undertake risk assessment of Memorial Bridge
New Hampshire's congressional delegation is urging federal officials to 'quickly' undertake a risk assessment of the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth. The request comes after a report issued in March by the National Transportation Safety Board raised safety questions about dozens of bridges across the country, including the Memorial Bridge. Bridge Letter The report identified 68 bridges in 19 states, and recommended that their owners conduct vulnerability assessments to determine the risk of a collapse from a vessel collision. The recommendation is part of the ongoing investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The NTSB determined the Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by the container ship Dali on March 26, 2024, was almost 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold for critical or essential bridges, according to guidance established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The Memorial Bridge is a 1,200-foot-long vertical-lift bridge that carries U.S. Route 1 across the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine. The bridge is 11 years old. It replaced the original bridge, which opened in 1923, dedicated as a "memorial to the soldiers and sailors of New Hampshire who participated in the World War 1917-1919," according to the bronze plaque affixed to both the old and new bridges. Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth The Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth in a 2019 file photo. The NTSB assessment describes Memorial Bridge as of "typical" rather "critical" concern compared to others on the list. Last June, a 48,000-pound sailboat with a 49-foot mast hit the Memorial Bridge after its rudder cables broke and the boat was carried away by the current. In March, the NTSB said its report does not suggest the 68 bridges mentioned are sure to collapse, it is simply recommending these 30 bridge owners evaluate whether the bridges are above the acceptable level of risk. Unlike the Key Bridge, whose span was more than 130 feet above the water, the Memorial Bridge's roadway is about 20 feet above the river. And when the bridge is open to allow ship traffic to pass, vehicles are stopped by gates at the approaches. In a letter Monday to Federal Highway Administration Executive Director Gloria Shepherd, New Hampshire's congressional delegation wrote, 'As this work begins, we want to ensure the FHA has the resources it needs to successfully provide guidance and assistance" to state transportation agencies. "If Memorial Bridge is found to have an annual frequency of collapse greater than (the threshold), how will FHWA support NHDOT in developing and implementing a comprehensive risk reduction plan? 'We remain deeply invested in the safety of our district's bridges and roadways, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter.' pfeely@
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal agency pressures state to abandon major traffic program: 'Critical to our economic future'
The Trump administration ordered New York City to stop congestion pricing by March 21, which is now fast approaching, potentially ending a program that promised to reduce traffic and improve air quality in the city. That said, New York has filed a lawsuit to keep the program in place. As the Guardian reported, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) executive director Gloria Shepherd sent a letter to New York state and city officials ordering them to cease collection of tolls on federal aid highways in Manhattan's Central Business District. The Manhattan Central Business District Tolling Program was approved by the FHWA in 2023 and officially implemented in January of this year. The program is designed to collect fees from vehicles driving below 60th Street in Manhattan during peak traffic hours. The program received criticism because some believed the fees would negatively impact low-income residents. Despite the controversy, this congestion pricing initiative was implemented, earning revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The MTA reported increases in ridership and smoother commutes since the implementation of the program. Now, Shepard and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are calling on the initiative to end, citing concerns over the financial burden on working-class New Yorkers. When announcing the program in 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that it would "reduce traffic in our crowded downtown, improve air quality, and provide critical resources to the MTA." The primary fee was projected to be $15, but it was later reduced to $9 after concerns about the severity of the price. As the Guardian concisely summarized it, the fee is imposed on those "who enter Manhattan below 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays" with "a lower fee from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends." The FHWA did not say whether it would be more open to a lesser toll. Funds from the tolls go toward improving and maintaining the New York City subway and New York commuter rails, according to the MTA website. Improvements to these systems should lead to faster and more reliable service in the long run. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Congestion pricing has already resulted in a reduction of cars, increased ridership in public transportation, and smoother bus commutes. Subway ridership has gone up 7.3% on weekdays and 12% on weekends since the implementation of the program. Fewer cars and more public transportation usage can reduce air pollution and lower transportation costs for consumers. Transportation makes up the largest portion of greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S., with the Environmental Protection Agency reporting 28% of air pollution coming from the transportation industry in 2022. The MTA and the New York State Bridge Authority have filed lawsuits to block the Trump administration's order to stop congestion pricing. Governor Hochul announced the MTA's lawsuit in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. She said that "foot traffic to local businesses is spiking" and "public transit is the lifeblood of New York City and critical to our economic future." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump administration sets deadline for NYC to shut down controversial congestion pricing toll
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a letter ordering New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to eliminate its controversial congestion pricing tolls by mid-March. The letter, dated and signed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd on Feb. 20 and released Wednesday, notes that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and its project sponsors "must cease" the collection of tolls on Federal-aid highways in New York's Central Business District Tolling Program by March 21. It noted the program's implementation was initially approved by the FHWA prior to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy sending a letter on Feb. 19 terminating the program. Shepherd called for agencies and project sponsors to "terminate operations" in an "orderly manner," according to the letter. Trump Admin Moves To Block Nyc Congestion Toll Program Last week, the Trump administration issued a federal order halting the program, which began Jan. 5 and aimed to limit traffic and fund mass transit by adding a $9 toll on "most" vehicles entering Manhattan's core south of Central Park. Read On The Fox News App Despite Trump's action, the tolls have continued due to a federal lawsuit filed by the MTA, a state agency that runs public transit in New York City. "Our position is clear: this is not a lawful order. We have already filed a lawsuit and now it's up to the courts to decide," John J. McCarthy, MTA chief of policy and external relations, wrote in a statement on Wednesday. Critics say the tolling negatively impacts suburban commuters or those without access to the subway system, causing increased costs for working-class Americans and small business owners. The "cordon pricing" method of tolling means drivers are required to pay a toll regardless of which roads they use, as there are no toll-free options. Hochul Spurs Bipartisan Outrage Over Massive Toll Reboot As Dems Worry Trump Will Block It Advocates argue the fees will limit traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. The MTA on Monday announced tolls from the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) generated $48.66 million in revenue, with a net of $37.5 million, from Jan. 5 to Jan. 31. The figures show the program is on track to generate the $500 million that the MTA initially projected. "We are on track for the projected $500 million in net revenue, especially as we get into warmer months when traffic will increase which provides confidence in the forecast," said MTA co-chief financial officer Jai Patel. "All indicators show the program is reducing traffic but also projecting the revenue to be on target for what we had in 4,000 pages of studies and what we were looking at in the fall." Of the nearly $50 million generated from the program's start in January, 22% came from taxis and for-hire vehicles ($10.6 million), 68% came from passenger vehicles, 9% came from trucks, and 1% came from buses and motorcycles, according to the MTA. About 85% of non-taxi and for-hire vehicles revenue was generated from passenger vehicles, and 15% was generated from trucks, buses, and motorcycles, the agency reported. And 95% of revenue was generated during peaking tolling hours. Expenses from the program, which include operating camera infrastructure and customer service, amounted to $9.1 million. Factoring in another $2 million for mitigation efforts, the results were a net surplus of $37.5 million. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a proponent of the program, met with Trump to discuss the issue. The Democrat claimed the city is "paralyzed with gridlock," and the program could "make the city move again." "The people in my state need to know I'm willing to take the fight wherever I have to," Hochul said. As the situation unfolds, Hochul said she expects the state's case to be won in court and the program will continue. The Federal Highway Administration and NYSDOT entered into an agreement on Nov. 21, 2024, approving the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) under the Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP). Click To Get The Fox News App The VPPP, which was approved by Congress in 1991, is an exception to the general rule outlawing tolling on highways as a pilot to test congestion reduction techniques. New York is one of about a dozen states allowed to implement the program. Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace, Charles Creitz and Stephen Sorace contributed to this article source: Trump administration sets deadline for NYC to shut down controversial congestion pricing toll
Fox News
26-02-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Trump administration sets deadline for NYC to shut down controversial congestion pricing toll
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a letter ordering New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to eliminate its controversial congestion pricing tolls by mid-March. The letter, dated and signed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd on Feb. 20 and released Wednesday, notes that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and its project sponsors "must cease" the collection of tolls on Federal-aid highways in New York's Central Business District Tolling Program by March 21. It noted the program's implementation was initially approved by the FHWA prior to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy sending a letter on Feb. 19 terminating the program. Shepherd called for agencies and project sponsors to "terminate operations" in an "orderly manner," according to the letter. Last week, the Trump administration issued a federal order halting the program, which began Jan. 5 and aimed to limit traffic and fund mass transit by adding a $9 toll on "most" vehicles entering Manhattan's core south of Central Park. Despite Trump's action, the tolls have continued due to a federal lawsuit filed by the MTA, a state agency that runs public transit in New York City. "Our position is clear: this is not a lawful order. We have already filed a lawsuit and now it's up to the courts to decide," John J. McCarthy, MTA chief of policy and external relations, wrote in a statement on Wednesday. Critics say the tolling negatively impacts suburban commuters or those without access to the subway system, causing increased costs for working-class Americans and small business owners. The "cordon pricing" method of tolling means drivers are required to pay a toll regardless of which roads they use, as there are no toll-free options. Advocates argue the fees will limit traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. The MTA on Monday announced tolls from the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) generated $48.66 million in revenue, with a net of $37.5 million, from Jan. 5 to Jan. 31. The figures show the program is on track to generate the $500 million that the MTA initially projected. "We are on track for the projected $500 million in net revenue, especially as we get into warmer months when traffic will increase which provides confidence in the forecast," said MTA co-chief financial officer Jai Patel. "All indicators show the program is reducing traffic but also projecting the revenue to be on target for what we had in 4,000 pages of studies and what we were looking at in the fall." Of the nearly $50 million generated from the program's start in January, 22% came from taxis and for-hire vehicles ($10.6 million), 68% came from passenger vehicles, 9% came from trucks, and 1% came from buses and motorcycles, according to the MTA. About 85% of non-taxi and for-hire vehicles revenue was generated from passenger vehicles, and 15% was generated from trucks, buses, and motorcycles, the agency reported. And 95% of revenue was generated during peaking tolling hours. Expenses from the program, which include operating camera infrastructure and customer service, amounted to $9.1 million. Factoring in another $2 million for mitigation efforts, the results were a net surplus of $37.5 million. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a proponent of the program, met with Trump to discuss the issue. The Democrat claimed the city is "paralyzed with gridlock," and the program could "make the city move again." "The people in my state need to know I'm willing to take the fight wherever I have to," Hochul said. As the situation unfolds, Hochul said she expects the state's case to be won in court and the program will continue. The Federal Highway Administration and NYSDOT entered into an agreement on Nov. 21, 2024, approving the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) under the Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP). The VPPP, which was approved by Congress in 1991, is an exception to the general rule outlawing tolling on highways as a pilot to test congestion reduction techniques. New York is one of about a dozen states allowed to implement the program.
