Capitol Agenda for the Week of Dec. 11: Infrastructure’s Favorite D.J.
It’s time to check in on D.J. Gribbin. When we last left him, which was last week, Gribbin, the president’s adviser on infrastructure policy, promoted the politics of optimism.
Keynoting an event CQ Roll Call hosted at the Newseum, Gribbin emphasized the obvious. The building of America’s interstate system at the time of President Dwight Eisenhower paved the way for a world-class economy. And kudos to those involved in that game-changing enterprise, he said.
But that was then, when televisions were black and white, and every kid’s dream was to own a hot rod. In today’s social media world where Tesla threatens our addiction to oil, the reliance on fuel taxes to maintain surface infrastructure after six decades has to be revamped. Building new projects no longer is the main priority for states. Funding the maintenance costs of bridges, tunnels and expansive roadway systems is the top focus for most mayors and governors, Gribbin argued.
While the Trump White House is positioning itself as the transformer of revenue-gathering strategies for transportation, freight stakeholders who depend on well-kept roads to keep the economy moving continue to insist a fuel tax increase is the answer. As Gribbin put it, the White House has not ruled out such an increase, a feat not done since 1993, the year “Jurassic Park” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” dominated the box office. Yet, remember, “It’s really, really hard to raise the gas tax,” Gribbin told CQ Roll Call’s Jacob Fischler.
The focus of Trump’s infrastructure plan, which Gribbin suggested could be as early as January, would strongly encourage local officials to come up with sufficient funds for specific projects, and then allow private sector partners to come through with the assist.
Minimizing the permitting process for big-ticket infrastructure also will anchor Trump’s plan. Gribbin explained the White House will propose legislative and regulatory changes, and they’re working on culture changes. It already issued policy changes, he noted.
Critics of Gribbin’s articulation of Trump’s vision, of which there are many, include Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, who as the top Democrat on the House transportation panel, will have a big say on the president’s plan. So far, DeFazio’s verdict is simple: “Classic devolution.”
Devolving transportation responsibilities to the states has long been anathema to Democrats and moderate Republicans, such as Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.).
Responding to critics, Gribbin offers a subtle caveat: “This is all subject to change without notice.”
“We’re trying to be very transparent and hear the ideas that we’re thinking about,” he added. “These won’t be finalized until they’re finalized." For more Gribbinisms, check out the Hudson Institute this week.
THE WEEK AHEAD (all times ET)
Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: The Environment Subcommittee and Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hosts a hearing titled, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.”
Dec. 12, noon: The Hudson Institute hosts a panel titled, “The Future of Public Transportation: Embracing the Private Sector?” Participants include D.J. Gribbin, special assistant to the president for infrastructure policy in the National Economic Council, and Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn.
Dec. 13, 10 a.m.: The Senate Commerce Committee marks up legislation that would reauthorize the National Transportation Safety Board (S 2202).
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
TRUCKLOAD: Several truckload carriers are currently negotiating with shippers to add new surcharges or otherwise raise rates to haul freight through California after state lawmakers raised fuel taxes and other fees as of Nov. 1, Transport Topics has learned.
PABs: The national group representing state transportation directors again called on tax policy leaders on Capitol Hill to produce tax reform legislation that would help advance infrastructure projects.
TESLA: Tesla’s recent unveiling of its all-electric Class 8 tractor presented the industry with a fresh take on truck design and a different way of powering its vehicles. While most of the attention naturally went to the truck’s all-electric powertrain, the Tesla Semi also featured next-level automated driving technology, including active steering.
BUZZ:
Several top transportation policymakers are predicting Congress will consider Trump’s infrastructure funding plan early next year, sources tell us.
WHAT WE’RE READING:
Tea Party candidate Art Halvorson, a thorn on the side of the Shuster dynasty for several years, is far from done. The Hill’s Melanie Zanona reports he intends to, again, challenge incumbent Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) for his seat.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
We’ve done all of our testing and development on the 5.9 GHz spectrum. And we need that to deploy the technology whenever it becomes commercially available. If it changes, we’re starting over. So 10 years of testing and demonstration would really go away if we have to change to a different type of technology.
Susan Alt, senior vice president of public affairs, Volvo Group North America, at a House Highways and Transit Subcommittee roundtable Dec. 7
FAVORITE VIDEO:
Infrastructure investments across rural communities are badly needed, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) indicated recently.
FAVORITE TWEET:
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao expounds #metoo.
.@SecElaineChao on whether she's had a #MeToo moment: "Of course..." @cbudoffbrown asks for a story. Secretary Chao: "The person is still here…it's not worth my while to go back and revisit those negative moments." #WomenRule pic.twitter.com/jZ1qvaBFCY — CSPAN (@cspan) December 5, 2017
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