50x50 Transportation Action Network
Today, with Congress deeply divided, Surface Transportation Authorization around the corner, and an influx of new technologies and business models that are poised to transform the sector, it has never been more important to harness a shared vision in federal transportation policy. The 50x50 Action Network is a streamlined and focused effort to create new champions and a proactive support network to incorporate the 50x50 Commission for Transportation Sector Efficiency’s policy recommendations into legislation. This includes securing the resources and policies required to move the nation forward at federal, state, and local levels.
Surface Transportation Reauthorization, a massive piece of highway legislation that governs a variety of transportation-related programs over five fiscal years, was delayed to 2021 as Congress negotiates immediate COVID-19 recovery packages. 2015's Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, or the "FAST" Act, authorized $305 billion in funds, of which $226.4 billion were for the Federal Highway Administration, and $61.1 billion were for the Federal Transit Administration (FY 2016-2020). The Authorization includes programs such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ), Capital Investment Grants, the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, the Low or No Emission Vehicle program, and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA). It is critical to ensure these programs are sufficiently resourced and well-designed to enhance efficient transportation, electrification, and decarbonization.
Armed with detailed policy recommendations from the 50x50 initiative, the 50x50 Action Network focuses on transitioning them into practice. This includes leveraging the shared vision of 50x50 stakeholders, incorporating recommendations into Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation, activating champions for electrification and efficient transportation, and continuing to articulate, refine, and adapt the 50x50 vision. Additionally, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50x50 Action Network is exploring ways that transportation development can help with economic recovery. With proven benefits for creating jobs, driving economic activity, and building resiliency, we are advocating for the inclusion of 50x50 priorities in stimulus measures.
Join the 50x50 Action Network
The 50x50 Action Network is a dedicated group of individuals working to pursue two primary workstreams over the course of 2021:
- On-the-ground advocacy to advance and defend the best outcome of transportation federal policies.
- Thought leadership and state/local policy synergies
For more information on 50x50 engagement opportunities, please email associates@ase.org. View the 2021 initiative prospectus.