Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
High-Speed Rail

California’s Infrastructure Priorities Are for the Cars

Of course the High Speed Rail Program made the Governor’s list. But only one other transit project is as important as cars. Photo: NPR

Governor Jerry Brown delivered a letter to President Trump today outlining priorities for transportation infrastructure spending in California.

The priorities are “pursuant to Executive Order 13766,” signed today, that aims to “streamline and expedite. . . environmental reviews and approvals for all infrastructure projects” and especially those projects that are “a high priority for the Nation.”

Governor Brown responded with this list of “high-priority infrastructure projects in need of expedited environmental review,” to wit:

    • a highway expansion
    • another highway expansion
    • demolishing a bridge
    • a streetcar
    • a highway expansion
    • a highway expansion
    • a highway expansion
    • a highway expansion
    • high-speed rail
    • the Oroville dam spillway

At least it's consistent with the focus of the transportation funding bills currently being considered: more highways for cars, with a dollop of transit and one very urgent waterway.

Also, would it have hurt to add the electrification of Caltrain to the list, even though it has cleared its environmental hurdles already? Just to make a point.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Competing Visions Emerge for the Future of Measure C in Fresno County

When a group of experts don't like a plan created through a community process, they just make their own.

February 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Lots of news from up and down the state.

February 24, 2026

What It Would Take to Map Every Sidewalk In Your State

States and tech companies keep detailed records of virtually every driving lane in America — but not every sidewalk. Until now.

February 23, 2026

New Legislation, Backed by Bike Safety Groups, Proposed to Regulate E-Motos/E-Bikes

“Electric bicycles are transforming how Californians get around, but the rapid rise of high-powered electric devices has created confusion that puts people at risk,” said Marc T. Vukcevich, Director of State Policy for Streets For All

February 23, 2026

The Wonders of Biking in Taiwan

One of San Francisco's most notable urbanists explores Taipei's night markets and bike infrastructure. He wonders: can San Francisco adopt their biking culture?

February 23, 2026

Monday’s Headlines

Money for trains edition.

February 23, 2026
See all posts