Modernizing Our Infrastructure to Free the Flow of People and Commerce
America Must Modernize Its Infrastructure to Free the Flow of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber is committed to building a competitive economy that will benefit all Americans, but our nation simply cannot reignite and sustain economic growth with an infrastructure that is breaking down. - Energy: Electricity demand has increased by 25% since 1990, while construction of transmission facilities has decreased by 30% (U.S. Department of Energy). - Transportation: 1/3 of major roads are in poor or mediocre condition (American Society for Civil Engineers), and 1/4 of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete (Federal Highway Administration). - Telecommunications: Information traveling on our nation’s information superhighway is expected to increase 50-fold by 2015, requiring broadband service providers to invest more than $100 billion in network infrastructure over the next five years (Progress & Freedom Foundation).
Through its multimillion-dollar, nationwide Let’s Rebuild America initiative, the U.S. Chamber advocates for the need to modernize and expand our nation’s transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure. Without proper investment and attention to these networks, our nation’s economic health, competitive advantage, and quality of life are at risk.
We Must Modernize, Expand, and Protect Our Nation’s Energy Infrastructure
Energy infrastructure is overstretched; we must modernize, expand, and protect this infrastructure to deliver energy to our homes and businesses. -We must invest substantial capital in new generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. -We must increase refinery, pipeline, port, and surface transportation capacity. -We must provide incentives and loan guarantees to encourage new energy technologies. -We must streamline the permit and appeals process for energy projects in the United States.
The Chamber is fighting for full funding and implementation of all the technology and infrastructure programs in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
We Must Invest in Our Nation’s Ailing Transportation Infrastructure
Our nation simply cannot reignite and sustain economic growth with a transportation system that is over capacity and marred by age and disrepair. - Over the next 10 years, there will be an average $50 billion annual gap in capital, operations, and maintenance funding to maintain our highway and transit systems (U.S. Department of Transportation). - An estimated investment of $148 billion in expansion of rail freight infrastructure is needed just to keep pace with economic growth and ensure that the freight railroads can carry the volume of freight forecast for 2035. (Association of American Railroads) - The nation’s air traffic control system faces a multiyear overhaul. The Federal Aviation Administration plans to invest $4.6 billion over the next five years alone and estimates that at least $41 billion must be invested in airport infrastructure over the same period. - Nearly 50% of the 257 locks on more than 12,000 miles of inland waterways operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are functionally obsolete (The Transportation Challenge: Moving the U.S. Economy).
Outside the Beltway, the Chamber is urging states to protect dedicated transportation funds and spend the money on infrastructure, instead of diverting money to other programs. Inside the Beltway, the chamber is urging Congress to shorten the time that it takes projects to move from idea to completion.
Telecommunications Infrastructure Is Critical to E-Commerce
Telecommunications is the central nervous system of the U.S. economy. The ability to engage in e-commerce is critical for U.S. businesses.
The Chamber supports federal policies that foster private-sector investment in broadband infrastructure and opposes policies that deter new investment, slow deployment of innovative technologies, and leave consumers with fewer choices and higher prices.
The U.S. Chamber, in partnership with Connected Nation, launched Connect!, a series of regional dialogues that emphasize the role of broadband in everything from economic development and U.S. global competitiveness to telemedicine and education at the local level. By supporting Connected Nation’s efforts to expand its public-private partnership model, the Chamber is helping increase broadband availability and access for all Americans.
Chamber Assets Dedicated to Infrastructure
Let's Rebuild America
The U.S. Chamber will put money, people, research, programs, and strong political action around a sustained, long-term campaign to rebuild the economic platform of our nation. We will employ every resource at our disposal-our policy expertise, our lobbying clout, our grassroots capabilities, and our communications channels.
The Americans for Transportation Mobility - a national coalition - works to ensure our nation's transportation infrastructure is improved to meet current demands and future needs. Launched on June 26, 2001, ATM represents over 400 major transportation users and providers who are working together for a safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure system.
Real Solutions for Rebuilding Our Critical Infrastructure
December 8-9, 2008 | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Taking the Challenge will bring together experts from our nation's transportation, energy, and broadband infrastructure sectors to discuss past experience with capacity shortages, permitting delays, and funding challenges, and outline real solutions that have worked to rebuild critical infrastructure all over our nation.
