Editorial: Huffman's Committee Post Good for Marin

January 18, 2015

Rep. Jared Huffman's seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee could prove beneficial to his environmental agenda and for longstanding plans to fix local transportation and flood-control problems.

The San Rafael Democrat, who was recently re-elected for a second term, was picked by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to serve on the high-powered committee.

It is a plum assignment.

Huffman's environmental focus should prove valuable in shaping future transportation policies and plans. His proposal that projects up for congressional approval be tested for their cost and benefit in combating global warming may not be ready for approval in the GOP-controlled House, but he shouldn't be shy about using the same yardstick in his votes.

The congressman's awareness of local projects should be valuable. He has been a strong champion for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit train and it will need the help of federal funds flowing back to the two counties for its completion.

Local flood control work, up and down his district, also needs federal help.

Being on the "money" committee for these projects should be helpful in ensuring that fair appropriations are included in House transportation and flood plans.