| Northeast-Midwest Institute Weekly Update |
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NEMWI Releases Note to the Coalitions on Regional Trends in State Electricity Statistics
| How do electricity markets in Northeast-Midwest region states compare to those in other states, and why? The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) routinely collects, analyzes, and disseminates a wide range of energy-related information for the nation. This abundant state-by-state information is vital for industry decision makers, policymakers, analysts, and the general public to understand, predict, and plan for changing U.S. electricity markets. However, further analysis and explanation is required to provide a regional view, which is so critical to energy policy and planning. Using recently released Energy Information Administration data (2009 State Electricity Profiles), this Note to the Coalitions identifies and explains trends in electricity generation, price, and emissions in the Northeast and Midwest.
For more information, contact Colleen Cain, Senior Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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T&I Chairman Mica Releases Surface Transportation Reauthorization Proposal
| Last week, Rep. Mica (R-FL) and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released their proposal for Transportation Reauthorization. The proposed bill authorizes surface transportation programs and funding for six years to allow State DOTs to plan major projects. The 2012-2017 bill would authorize $230 billion in spending, cutting 33 percent out of current spending levels. Major programmatic changes include the elimination or consolidation of more than 70 current programs. Two of the biggest changes are the reduction of Amtrak's operating budget by 25% and the elimination of the Transportation Enhancement program, which mandates that 10% of Surface Transportation Program funds are spent on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, described as "non-highway activities." For transit, the bill removes barriers for the private sector offering transit services. It also seeks to increase funding for TIFIA, a financing program that can be used to leverage existing local sources of funding. See also: coverage and press releases from E&E Daily, AASHTO, StreetsBlog and Transportation for America.
For more information, contact Fritz Ohrenschall, Research Associate at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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Recap: Capitol Hill Briefing on Short Sea Shipping
| An informational briefing on "Short Sea Shipping," co-hosted by the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, was held earlier today in the Rayburn House Office Building. The event sparked wide interest with Congressional staffers from port areas all over the country, as well as professionals in transportation and shipping. Hosts and speakers highlighted impacts of the proposed Short Sea Shipping Act (H.R. 1533) and related policies on government spending, taxes, transportation, trade, and economic well-being around the United States and especially in the Northeast-Midwest Region. Presenters Included:
· Host William P. Doyle, Chief of Staff, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association
· David S. Gutheil, Vice President for Maritime & Logistics, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
· C. James Patti, President, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID)
· Steve Fisher, Executive Director, American Great Lakes Ports Association
· Ryan Lehman, Deputy Political Director, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association
For more information, contact Kate Ostrander, Legislative Director of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition.
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