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America’s Oil Capital Was Moving Away from Cars. Then a New Mayor Arrived.

Summary

Houston, traditionally car-centric and the epicenter of the oil and gas industry, was making strides toward reducing its reliance on automobiles by enhancing bicycle infrastructure and expanding public transit. However, with the election of Mayor John Whitmire, these initiatives have stalled. Whitmire, who dismisses bicycle lanes as mere "recreation projects," has redirected focus toward road repairs, delaying a $7.5 billion public transit expansion. This shift threatens to derail Houston's efforts to meet its climate goals and echoes broader struggles in U.S. cities attempting to transition away from car dependency, despite the availability of significant federal funding for sustainable transportation projects.

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Climate Change
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Climate Change
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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Energy Justice
Energy Justice

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Energy Justice
Energy Justice

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Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

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