The reconciliation package includes harmful provisions that will negatively impact transportation in America, reinforcing reliance on gas-powered cars. These changes come at a time when advocates are highlighting the effects on air quality and traffic violence. Key provisions include the suspension of a bicycle commuter benefit, which helped level the playing field for biking against car subsidies. This benefit, which was once offered by employers for biking-related expenses, has been eliminated, further entrenching car dependency and limiting options for sustainable commuting.
"The direct elements [impacting transportation] in this bill are designed to reinforce car dependency especially of gas powered cars," said Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute.
"Riders across America enjoyed a modest but impactful 'bicycle commuter benefit' until 2017, when the Republicans suspended the credit to clear space for corporate tax cuts."
"Advocates like Eric Salakowsky argue that those kinds of tax tweaks can 'place biking on a somewhat more level playing field with cars, for which employees currently receive a massive subsidy in the form of untaxed employer-provided parking.'"
"The reconciliation package officially dealt the bike commute benefit its final death blow."
#transportation-policy #reconciliation-package #car-dependency #bicycle-commuting #environmental-impact
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