Great Works & Climate Change
Interstate Travel
We must take action and improve the condition of the crumbling infrastructure in this country. The current prioritization of projects (especially at the federal level) are quick fixes and do not address larger systemic issues. We must develop and adopt new technology for public transit and implement the Green New Deal.
We need more sustainable options for traveling including high-speed trains. We lack the infrastructure for inter-city travel forcing individuals to pursue more expensive means of transportation that are detrimental for the environment. The rail infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor is at risk of severe damage from Climate Change and limits possible upgrades. For example, Amtrak is rolling out upgraded trains between Washington DC and Boston, although the new trains will be capable of higher speeds, the schedules are showing that the trip time will actually take longer.
We should be leveraging the newest technology and replacing our aging infrastructure. What good is a fast train on tracks that don’t support it? We need a publicly accessible, 21st century interstate transportation system. I will fight for new, high-speed-capable rail connections that will strengthen Boston as a transportation hub. I will advocate to connect Boston with New York City (via the Long Island sound) and Montreal. I will push to get additional funding for the MBTA to extend the Orange Line and connect North and South Station.
Environment in Mind
We must develop additional infrastructure while being mindful of its environmental impact. Instead of slowing technological progress or innovation, we must develop smart and carbon-neutral tech. Instead of building out, we should be building up (and down). I will draft and support policies that expand urban wilds and natural resources for residents.
It is essential to build more vertical and hydroponic gardens to capture existing space. We need environmentally friendly data centers that use natural resources to our advantage (e.g. underwater). We must utilize waste products better and drive biogas production and improved closed systems (e.g. capture the heat from data centers and lower heating costs for neighboring areas. We must build smart roads, speedbumps, and sidewalks that charge cars or generate electricity. Other countries are taking on these projects at scale while many politicians in the US are still debating if climate change is real.
Protecting us from the impacts of Climate Change
I will help shift the mindset that the average person is responsible for reversing the impacts of climate change. My recycling, use of plastic straws, and turning off the lights is worthwhile, but won’t be impactful on its own. We need the larger polluters to do their part to reduce the damage or pay their share of infrastructure projects that reverse their damage.
While we continue to face the effects of climate change, I will work to ensure the protection of our natural resources, parks, and monuments and will work to protect the coastline from further damage. I will re-fund FEMA to ensure better and clearer national emergency notification systems and response during disasters to our most vulnerable citizens. I will enact strong cyber-security policies to better protect our natural resources from foreign adversaries and bad actors.
Infrastructure benefits all of us and enables us to improve our economy, establish equity in transportation, and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.