Developing Transportation-Related Environmental Policy for the United States-Mexico Border Region

Abstract

Stressing the strong ties between transportation and environmental concerns, researchers at the Alliance for Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) developed a unique repository for Border Region Information on Transportation and the Environment (BRITE). BRITE’s purpose is to provide relevant environmental information to transportation agencies and planners working in the United States–Mexico border region. BRITE is being created in phases, but it is not a static entity and will never be “complete.” Each BRITE segment is generated from an extensive literature review. This paper provides an example of how the information from the literature review can be applied to developing better monitoring programs and better environmental policy relevant to transportation in the border region. Using the information gathered in the first BRITE segment, the authors identified alternative monitoring methods to assist agencies in ensuring compliance. The authors conclude that successful monitoring involves gathering data on environmental conditions via technical means as well as remaining abreast of policy and regulatory issues by establishing strong communication links with other agencies. Building on the importance of multifaceted monitoring, ATRI researchers created a framework to allow agencies to develop an environmental policy responsive to needs in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The framework is structured along a continuum to allow agencies to develop a personalized policy to reflect their needs and interests. The authors assess the overall project and conclude that meeting transportation needs in concert with addressing environmental concerns requires a clearly articulated policy that emphasizes communication and collaboration.