The Right Track: Building a 21st Century High-Speed Rail System for America. 2/09/2010

The new report analyzes the potential of high speed rail in nine different regions, including the California, and presents eleven public-interest recommendations for how to spend high speed rail investments in the future. According to data cited in the report, reduced air and car travel mean large pollution reductions and oil savings for the state. It is estimated that the network will reduce global warming pollution by up to 12 billion pounds of carbon dioxide a year by 2030, the equivalent of taking almost one million cars off the road, and improve air quality in all regions.

Testimony on Interchange Fee Ripoff 1/26/2010

In 2008 banks in the US collected $48 billion in interchange fees. Consumers and retailers are footing this bill, in theory, for some benefit, but the system is rigged to favor the banks.