Author Archive

Jason Plautz

Jason Plautz

Digital Government

Cheap Sensors Are Democratizing Air-Quality Data

A new generation of inexpensive, portable air-quality sensors is making it easier for citizen groups and individuals to monitor the air around them.

Emerging Tech

The Government Is Getting Ready for the Driverless-Car Era

New DOT policies will make it easier for autonomous cars to hit the road.

Digital Government

Watchdog Calls EPA Tweets 'Covert Propaganda'

The agency used a social media campaign to drum up support for a controversial rule.

Emerging Tech

Like Uber, But for USDA

The House is set to debate an amendment that would use ride-sharing to help cull the government’s vehicle fleet.

Emerging Tech

Driverless Cars Are Coming. Is Congress Ready?

When it comes to transportation, the Hill is starting to think like Tomorrowland.

Digital Government

Air Traffic Control Tech Upgrades Face Turbulence in Congress

Heading into a record travel season, FAA’s traffic upgrades are in the political spotlight.

Emerging Tech

Congress Considers Roads for Robot Cars

But before that, lawmakers face an immediate transportation-funding shortfall.

Digital Government

How Lasers and 3-D Maps Can Help the U.S. Prepare for Climate Change

Federal flood maps are outdated, and climate change will only make them more so, leaving states and localities without the information they need to plan for and mitigate flood risks.