Former executive editor of The Texas Observer, Megan Kimble, discusses the impact of urban highways, inequality, and climate change. She explores the historical issues of highway construction, displacement of communities, and grassroots efforts against expansions. Kimble shares insights on the emotional toll of driving and the importance of rich storytelling in conveying community impacts.
Grassroots activism aims to influence transportation decisions towards sustainable alternatives
Deep dives
Focus on Urban Highways in Texas
The podcast episode delves into a recently released book titled 'City Limits' by Megan Kimball, which centers on the impact of urban highways in Texas. The book examines the expansion of three highways in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, highlighting how these projects displace communities, affect climate change, and reveal political dynamics in infrastructure development.
Historical Background of the Interstate Highway System
The episode discusses the origins of the interstate highway system under President Eisenhower and how highways were routed through black and Hispanic neighborhoods. It features insights on the gas tax distribution favoring highways over mass transit and how the induced demand principle affects traffic congestion despite highway expansions.
Challenges Faced by Communities and Activists
The podcast reveals the challenges faced by individuals impacted by highway expansions, such as Modesty Cooper, whose home faces displacement. It emphasizes the grassroots activism of groups like Stop TxDOT in Houston seeking to alter voting structures to influence transportation decisions in their favor.
Climate Change and Infrastructure Politics
Discussion on the broader implications of highways in relation to climate change and freedom of car travel emerges, showcasing the ideological and economic factors influencing infrastructure decisions. The emotional toll of navigating climate concerns while utilizing existing highway systems is highlighted, resonating with the need for sustainable transportation alternatives.
Transitioning to Groundwater Reporting
The episode hints at the transition of the host's reporting focus from highways to groundwater, reflecting on the decision-making process for pursuing book-worthy topics. While expressing continued interest in uncovering untold stories, the journey of exploration and discovery beyond highway narratives is set to continue.
“I have never lived in a city that was not wrapped in highways. It’s hard for me to imagine anything else. And I think that’s true for a lot of people today. ... [But] we have known since the origins of the interstate highways program that building highways through cities doesn’t fix traffic. And yet we keep doing it. To me, that really fueled a lot of the book. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”