Austin is growing very rapidly, and traffic volumes are increasing similarly. The most important transportation problem in the Austin area is accommodating this increased demand. Light rail is being proposed as a strategy to assist in reducing traffic congestion. Regrettably, not even the projections of local transportation agencies indicate any material impact of light rail on traffic congestion.
Energy & Environment
The sun is stronger than our electric grid — and we are defenseless against it
The Carrington Event literally shocked telegraph operators. A repeat could shock an entire civilization into the pre-industrial age. Imagine being a telegraph operator in September 1859. You’re sitting at your station, using cutting-edge technology to tap out messages hundreds and thousands of miles away. Suddenly, brilliant auroras light up the night sky from the tropics...
February 9, 2026