The consequences of the Trump administration’s policies are significant and wide-ranging. Issues such as the rollback of food assistance and healthcare, the marginalization of immigrant communities, and attacks on scientific research that protect us from environmental hazards are just the tip of the iceberg.
Amidst this turmoil, critical discussions about our country’s transportation future are taking place within Congress. These conversations influence our mobility, impact climate and air quality, and affect household budgets, all centered around the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization process. The implications of this legislation warrant serious attention.
Surface transportation reauthorization (STR) shapes the framework of our transportation system. Unfortunately, much of the dialogue around this critical process occurs behind closed doors, often prioritizing industrial interests above the necessities of local communities. This consistent trend has hindered the establishment of affordable transportation solutions that align with climate action initiatives.
Reauthorization is no small task; it encompasses thousands of pages of federal law. This includes everything from determining the multi-billion dollar allocations for highways and public transit to the intricate details surrounding the research that informs evidence-based policies. The reauthorization process typically unfolds every five years and sometimes coincides with broader infrastructure bills. The next deadline for this significant undertaking is September 30, 2026, though delays are common.
Key Insights on Surface Transportation Reauthorization
- The federal government exercises control over billions in transportation funding each year, which affects everything from essential bridge repairs to investments in cycling and pedestrian pathways. The next reauthorization will dictate how these funds are allocated, and we must ensure responsible management of public resources.
- Historically, reauthorization efforts have heavily favored highway construction, directing funds towards costly and detrimental highway expansions instead of focusing on community-centric and scientifically supported transit initiatives. The historical funding ratio of federal highway spending compared to transit is a staggering (6:1).
- Your Voice Matters: From the initial input stages to committee discussions and final votes, there are numerous opportunities where public engagement can drive meaningful change in this process.
Addressing Concerns and Advocating for Improvements
Since the beginning of this administration, sectors including oil, auto, road construction, and trucking, alongside the US Department of Transportation, have lobbied for increased funding without adequate oversight. This has resulted in the reckless weakening of essential environmental safeguards and disregard for transportation’s significant role in climate change. Alarmingly, if the US transportation sector were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world’s fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally.
Additionally, the Trump administration has undermined long-term investments in transportation projects through tactics like a “review limbo” affecting 3,200 grants, illegally freezing funding, and threatening to withhold funds for ongoing projects based on arbitrary decisions. Such actions challenge Congress’ authority and undermine established legislative agreements.
To effectively respond, Congress must champion the laws it enacts, challenge industrial self-interest, and prioritize transportation policies that better serve communities. UCS has articulated three core principles to guide these efforts.
1. Promote Affordable and Sustainable Transportation Options: Transportation constitutes the second-largest household expense, forcing many to rely on expensive car ownership for jobs and essential services. Research shows that over half of Americans who drive wish they had viable alternatives. Congress’s actions should include:
- Establishing a federal program for funding transit operations, strengthening post-pandemic transit recovery, improving accessibility, and enhancing affordability.
- Reforming the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program to ensure funds support projects that scientifically reduce emissions, considering the long-term consequences of induced demand caused by highway expansion.
2. Ensure Accountability and Transparency: As stewards of public funds, Congress deserves to see its investments yield real, long-term benefits for communities. Essential measures include:
- Mandating proportional representation in decision-making processes by metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to reflect community needs.
- Requiring completion of maintenance goals and consideration of alternatives before expanding highway capacity, focusing on addressing potholes and safety rather than engaging in costly and dangerous highway expansions.
3. Prioritize Public Health and Climate Resilience: Communities continue to suffer from severe air pollution, with scientific consensus confirming that fossil fuel combustion drives detrimental climate impacts. Investments in clean transportation options like transit, cycling paths, and zero-emission vehicles are critical, alongside preparing our infrastructure for climate change challenges. Legislative actions should include:
- Substantial investment in the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
- Promoting planning for and investment in EV charging infrastructure.
- Opposing punitive charges for low or zero-emission vehicles.
- Funding initiatives that promote zero-emission rail technology.
- Enhancing transportation infrastructure resilience in response to extreme weather events.
For a comprehensive overview of UCS’ latest reauthorization priorities, please visit here.
How Can You Engage?
Whether you’re a scientist, planner, engineer, or an informed citizen, your representatives in Congress need to hear your perspectives on the significance of establishing a people-centric, equitable, and sustainable transportation system.
To take action, consider urging your member of Congress to co-sponsor the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act. This proposal could lead to a nationwide 38% increase in transit services if integrated into the forthcoming reauthorization.
Additionally, we encourage you to sign up for advanced copies of our soon-to-be-released zine, detailing the impact of surface transportation reauthorization on communities nationwide. You can keep yourself updated on UCS initiatives related to this matter, as well as explore the Reauthorization 101 and Reauthorization 201 guides produced by our partners at Transportation for America and PolicyLink.
If you’re keen to enhance your advocacy efforts, the UCS Science Advocacy Toolkit offers a wealth of resources, including strategies for meeting with legislators and engaging with the media.
The surface transportation reauthorization process may seem technical, yet it heavily influences the communities we inhabit. The outcomes of Congressional decisions directly affect whether our children can walk safely to school or enjoy recreational parks, and whether affordable public transit options are available for accessing employment and essential services. Now is the time for all of us to actively participate in shaping the legislative journey that ultimately impacts our lives.
