Breakfast links: With an eye to the future
Washington in 2040
The newest growth forecasts estimate that the Washington region will be home to 8.6 million in 2040. Federal employment and manufacturing are expected to shrink, while the service sector will boom. (Region Forward) (Tip: Region Forward)
Healthy Potomac needs more forests, less sprawl
The Potomac River watershed needs more farmland and more forest to filter polluted rainwater. Many farms have fallen prey to developers and have been paved over with impermeable surfaces. (Post)
Bipartisan proposal to raise gas tax
Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and George Voinovich (R-OH) have the courage to propose gradually raising the gas tax over the next three years, for a total increase of 25 cents per gallon. (National Journal, Eric Fidler) (Tip: Eric Fidler)
Bike sharing should be revenue neutral
After a look at the funding mechanisms underpinning various bike sharing systems, Adam Voiland argues that in austere times ahead, bike sharing systems should seek ways to be at least revenue neutral. (Examiner)
Park Service limits public input
The NPS bungled a recent public input “workshop” for its proposed Washington Monument subterranean screening facility. NPS officials refused to allow on-the-record comments and refused to take notes. (Post, Eric Fidler) (Tip: Eric Fidler)
Transit riders save thousands
According to the last Transit Savings Report from APTA, transit riders in the DC area can save as much as $9,500 annually based on current gas prices. Savings in the Washington region were 14th in the country. (APTA)
Behind the bag fee victory
How did Tommy Wells beat the plastics industry to pass the bag fee where so many had failed? Smart politics, outreach to religious groups east of the river, organized groups, and blogs. GGW gets a shout-out. (OnEarth Magazine)
Should we try strict liability?
In the Netherlands, automobile drivers are automatically held liable for insurance purposes if they strike a person on a bike. It’s unclear, though, if this only applies if the cyclist is obeying traffic laws. (BikePortland)
And…
Marcel Acosta, a federal appointee to the WMATA Board, has been elevated to a voting position. (Post) … DC Water has the largest advanced wastewater treatment plant in the world. (We Love DC, Eric Fidler) … The winner of TBD’s Nationals uniform design contest is a Metro fan. (TBD)