White Papers Presented at the CEMDA/ITDP International Seminar: Toward the Reform of Transportation and Air Quality Planning—Mexico City 

This paper provides an overview of U.S. transportation and air quality planning and governance policies from 1920 to the present, with an emphasis on reform laws enacted since the mid-1960s. It scans some of the key features of relevant laws, progress and shortcomings in governance and administration, technical reform challenges, and political dynamics that have influenced implementation of these statutes. The paper discusses current initiatives by the U.S. Congress and Bush Administration to weaken accountability for the impacts of transportation plans and projects on the environment. The emerging movement towards greater toll-based financing of transportation infrastructure in the U.S. is briefly discussed with respect to its potential for increasing transportation efficiency while protecting the environment and equity.