Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

This week the The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it would begin development of rules to limit speed for trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds to 68mph. The speed limiting technology that this would require  was first considered by federal regulators in 1995. Supporters include some trucking companies and organizations support speed limiters. Governing […]

How is Colorado funding a new passenger rail line to connect those on the East and West side of the Rockies? Probably with a sales tax. 61% of locals support a sales tax increase to fund the rail, and will be on the ballot in 2024 or 2025. The Legislature stepped in and  established a […]

 Imagine a bike lane that is covered by a solar roof. The solar panel structure creates a safety barrier for cyclists.  The roof protects cyclists from rain, and on sunny days, it generates solar power. A 20 mile solar covered  bike lane is a reality in South Korea.  The Netherlands created a bike path of solar panels. Fast […]

Rail… where I dreamily reminisce about being on trains in Sweden. I digress. Back to the good ole USA.  US passenger rail is having a bit of a renaissance. Upcoming rail projects include: the September 22, 2023 launch of the private brightline rail between Orlando and Miami; rail proposals in Texas connecting its major cities, and there’s […]

  September 22, 2023 will bring to life Brightline, a private rail service between Miami and Orlando. The trains will reach 125 mph, for the 3 hour trip. The rail line looks to expand to Tampa and the Gulf Coast. Could this work elsewhere? Probably, it utilized public financing options. But, keep in mind that Brightline […]

A Houston based start up, Cemvita, is said to have an agreement with United Airlines to purchase 50 million gallons of sustainable jet fuel. The agreement could reach a billion gallons and cover 20,000 flights between Chicago and Houston each year. The startup utilizes microbes to convert waste into sustainable source of jet fuel. Houston […]

AB316 (2013 | CA) will require drivers behind the wheel of autonomous big trucks. Effectively the bill bans truly autonomous driving big trucks. It awaits Governor Newsom’s signature. Last month the Governor’s staff sent a letter to the bill’s author explaining that “restrictions on autonomous trucking would not only undermine existing regulations, but could also […]

Wind power is being harnessed for cargo ships to reduce cost and emissions. These “wind wings” are said to cut fuel costs by 30%. The EU estimates that can be 1.5 million metric tons of fuel cut each day.  @nowthisearth

@Newscientist data shows that recycled coffee grounds can make concrete 29% stronger. Are you seeing the new partnerships that I’m seeing? Also interested in coffee concrete @popularmechanics

LaGuardia’s Terminal B is the first location in the United States to achieve RHFAC Gold which is  “a rating and recognition program that measures the meaningful accessibility of a site based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities.” This involves not only physical accessibility but also addressing auditory accessibility and making navigation […]