What's Happening with Federal Transportation Dollars?

Feb 25, 2025

Beth Osborne, the executive director of Transportation for America and former U.S. Department of Transportation official, dives into the shifting landscape of federal transportation funding. She discusses the ramifications of political upheaval on public transit and infrastructure investments, stressing the importance of advocacy in securing funding for local projects. The conversation highlights misconceptions about transit in rural areas and underscores the challenges facing electric vehicle infrastructure development. Osborne equips listeners with advocacy tools to champion effective transportation solutions in their communities.

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INSIGHT

IIJA's Impact on Emissions

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) had a negative impact on emissions.
Highway expansion projects outweighed investments in greener alternatives.

INSIGHT

Unbalanced Funding

The IIJA allocated four dollars to highways for every dollar invested in transit.
This overemphasis on highway spending undermines progress in sustainable transportation.

INSIGHT

Misleading Messaging

The Biden administration's messaging around the IIJA focused on historic transit investments.
It failed to acknowledge the disproportionately large highway spending.

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The Trump administration has upended the entire United States government over the last several weeks, sending Elon Musk and his minions into the guts of pretty much every federal department in a crusade for what they’re calling “efficiency.” Funds that were legally appropriated by Congress have been frozen, and in some cases even clawed back. The battle to preserve all sorts of spending is now in the courts.

What does this all mean for federal funding of public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and the transition to EVs? And what is DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s “Woke Rescission Memo”? We talked with Beth Osborne, executive director of the advocacy organization Transportation for America, to help us understand what’s at stake and how we can help defend projects we care about in our own communities. (Spoiler alert: It won’t be easy!)

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This episode was produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation and Cleverhood. Listen to the episode for the latest discount on the best and most stylish rain gear for walking and cycling.

*** If you’re in the New York area and are looking for a new e-bike, check out the Upway Sample Sale at their warehouse in Brooklyn on February 28th. You’ll score deep discounts on e-bikes from all the major brands. Tell ‘em The War on Cars sent you. ***

LINKS:

Transportation for America has some great resources to help you understand the federal funding picture in more detail.

Some terms Beth mentions in the interview that might be unfamiliar:

ISTEA (pronounced ICE-T) is an acronym referring to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which fundamentally restructured the way federal transportation funds are disbursed. You can read more about it here. (Brookings)
Justice40 refers to a Biden-era policy initiative aiming to direct 40 percent of federal investments in areas like climate, clean energy, and affordable housing to disadvantaged, disinvested communities that suffer disproportionately from pollution.

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This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.

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