The Journal of Commerce Online – Press Release

Following on the success of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program, Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of $600 million in TIGER II grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. TIGER II grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area and can create jobs.

“The enormous number of applications we received for the first round of TIGER grants shows that we have a backlog of worthwhile transportation projects waiting for funding,” said Secretary LaHood. “This money will go to the kinds of projects that will help spur lasting economic growth, reduce gridlock, provide safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation choices and create jobs.”

In an overwhelming show of demand for TIGER I, the U.S. Department of Transportation received more than 1,400 applications from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia requesting funding for almost $60 billion worth of projects – 40 times the $1.5 billion available under the program.

The TIGER II solicitation now available on the Federal Register website provides clear criteria for the department to make merit-based decisions on the new discretionary program.

Primary selection criteria include contributing to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improving the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and improving the quality of living and working environments of communities through increased transportation choices and connections.

The Department will also give priority to projects that are expected to quickly create and preserve jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity.

Pre-applications are due on July 16 and applications are due on August 23 from state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities and others. The Federal Register notice can be accessed by clicking here.

Darren Samuelsohn and Josh Voorhees, E&E reporters

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) are planning to release their climate and energy bill as soon as next week even if they cannot win back their longtime GOP partner, according to a top Senate Democrat.

Kerry revealed the tentative schedule for the unveiling of his long-awaited measure during the Democrats’ weekly meeting of committee leaders. “He said it’s looking good, and he hopes to have a press conference next week,” said Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Both Kerry and Lieberman sidestepped questions about the timing of their bill. “It’s coming soon,” Lieberman said.

Kerry, Lieberman and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) originally planned to release their bill April 26 but postponed the press conference after Graham complained that Democratic leaders had pushed the politically thorny issue of immigration onto the Senate agenda, making it impossible for him to also work on the climate legislation.

The Kerry-Lieberman climate bill is expected to call by 2020 for a 17 percent cut in emissions below 2005 levels, with the emission limits applying to different sectors of the economy at different times. Trade-sensitive manufacturers, for example, would start in the climate program six years after power plants, Kerry said today. The legislation is also expected to promote increased domestic production of nuclear power and offshore oil and gas, despite the outcry from environmentalists in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Kerry said the three senators continue to talk behind the scenes, despite Graham’s protest on immigration. “He’s standing by the work product, and he’s standing by the bill, no matter what,” Kerry said.

Boxer said today that Kerry and Lieberman will release the bill with or without Graham. “I think they’ve decided that if he is, that would be great, but if not, we’re going to move forward,” she said.

The release of the bill comes as Democratic leaders ramp up their pressure on the duo to produce their bill and begin the campaign of finding more Republicans.

“The only real chance we have to get it done this year is to make sure it is bipartisan,” said Chris Miller, the top climate aide to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). “And to date … we’ve seen little to any public interest by very many Republicans.”

Miller, speaking at the Good Jobs, Green Jobs conference in Washington, said Reid will probably punt the climate bill if it does not look like the measure is within striking distance of 60 votes. “Because of the way the Senate works these days, we can’t even consider moving to a bill unless you’ve got 60 votes,” Miller said, adding that it “might not be worth taking a bill to the floor at all just to see it fail” if it is shy of 60.

To date, only Graham and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) have spoken out in favor of supporting a mandatory cap on greenhouse gases, though they have disagreed on the exact pricing mechanism to reduce emissions.

“We are hopeful, given the short time frame left in the window for considering this legislation, that we’ll get some support,” Miller said. “Because if we don’t, the chances we’re going to be able to legislate on this in the next few years is going to decline significantly.”

Top GOP targets include Sens. Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, George LeMieux of Florida, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and George Voinovich of Ohio. But many of those senators say they are taking a wait-and-see approach until Kerry releases the legislation.

“I’m willing to work on it,” LeMieux said today. “I’d like to see it. I was about to see it, but then the whole process fell apart.”

Brown said he is focused on other issues, including financial regulatory reform and economic recovery.

And Voinovich, who retires in January, said he does not expect the climate bill to gain any momentum. “I’m overwhelmed, and I only have a little time left,” he said yesterday. “And I’m not really confident that because of what’s going on with all the other stuff, in spite of the fact there are people who are very desirous of something taking place, that it’s going to go anywhere.”

By Kevin Yamamura

Senator Kerry on Today’s News About Climate and Energy Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) today released the following statement on today’s news about climate and energy legislation in the Senate:

“For more than six months, Lindsey Graham, Joe Lieberman, and I have been meeting for hours each day to find a bi-partisan path forward and build an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders to pass a comprehensive climate and energy bill this year. We all believe that this year is our best and perhaps last chance for Congress to pass a comprehensive approach. We believe that we had reached such an agreement and were excited to announce it on Monday, but regrettably external issues have arisen that force us to postpone only temporarily.

“I remain deeply committed to this effort which I have worked on for more than twenty years. We have no choice but to act this year. The American people deserve better than for the Senate to defer this debate or settle for an energy-only bill that won’t get the job done.

“Senator Graham came forward and has made a significant contribution to both the process and the product. Joe and I deeply regret that he feels immigration politics have gotten in the way and for now prevent him from being engaged in the way he intended. But we have to press forward. Lindsey has helped to build an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders from the environmental community and the industry who have been prepared to stand together behind a proposal. That can’t change. We can’t allow this moment to pass us by.

“Joe and I will continue to work together and are hopeful that Lindsey will rejoin us once the politics of immigration are resolved. We will continue to work and we will do everything necessary to be ready when the moment presents itself. The White House and Senate Leadership have told us from the start that this is the year for action, and until they tell us otherwise we’re pressing forward.”

# # #

By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post

The nation’s largest electric utilities association and three of the country’s biggest oil companies will endorse the climate proposal Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) and Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) will introduce Monday, Kerry told supporters in a private phone call Thursday evening.

The declarations of support show the three senators have made some inroads with the business community in drafting their plan, but have yet to win over traditional opponents of mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Several consumer groups will back the plan as well. Kerry’s office declined to comment on the matter.

The Edison Electric Institute — whose members generate the bulk of the nation’s electricity — and two of its influential CEOs, Exelon’s John Rowe and Duke Energy’s Jim Rogers, will declare their support Monday, sources said. While Kerry did not name the three oil companies, a source familiar with the negotiations said Shell, BP and ConocoPhillips would back the climate measure.

Winning over business interests who face regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency, Graham said Thursday, is essential to enlisting Republican support for the proposal. “The goal is to have the business community come forward and say, ‘This is a better solution to the EPA,’” he said.

The top 10 highlights of the proposal Kerry outlined in the phone call:

1. The bill would take effect in 2013 and by 2020 would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent compared to 2005 levels, and 80 percent by 2050.
2. Trade-sensitive and energy-intensive industries would get a four-year delay before they would be subject to greenhouse gas limits.
3. Two-thirds of the revenues generated by auctioning off pollution allowances for utilities would be returned to consumers through local distribution companies.
4. Oil companies will be subject to pollution allowances that will be retired over time, rather than a linked fee. In an effort to counter criticism that any sort of carbon limits on fuel sales constitutes a gas tax, the Congressional Budget Office will issue a document stating this provision will not constitute a tax. All diesel oil fuel revenues will be set aside and directed to the Highway Trust Fund.
5. The bill will preempt both the states’ and EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, as long as emitters comply with the standards outlined in the measure. The EPA will monitor and enforce compliance with the law.
6. The bill will contain a nuclear title providing loan guarantees and liability protections for the construction of up to 12 plants.
7. The measure will provide $10 billion to the coal industry for “clean coal technology” that will capture emissions from coal-fired power plants, and it will provide an accelerated bonus for early deployment of this technology.
8. It will provide financial incentives for natural gas and electric vehicles.
9. The proposal will provide a hard price collar for the price of carbon, with both a ceiling and a floor.
10. It will also include the entire energy bill passed last year by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th birthday, I am pleased to announce that I have recently completed my M.S. thesis on the implementation of California’s climate change legislation through the Urban Land Use and Transportation Center (ULTRANS) at the University of California at Davis.  Do you think California will be able to achieve its climate change stability goals by Earth Day 2050?  How will sustainable community design through regional planning and improved transportation system management work toward achieving the State’s AB 32 and SB 375 goals?

Check Out My Thesis Highlight Sheet:

Rethinking California’s Planning Frameworks to Support Senate Bill 375: A White Paper on Local, Regional, State and Federal Climate Change Policy Reform

Regulatory reform addressing travel behavior policies that reduce vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) and improve transportation network management is needed if California is to reduce the transportation sector’s 38 percent contribution to total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the State.  This white paper introduces how such policy changes can be used to support California’s goals of climate change stability, economic vitality, and communities that encourage healthier lifestyles.  Further, it poses essential questions pertaining to regulatory reform for the 3-C issues of consistency, conformity, and concurrency that the State will need to address through actively engaging with multiple stakeholders and other government organizations.  The white paper includes an analysis of the theory and practice of California’s land use/transportation planning structure, environmental review process, and funding allocation framework by examining local, regional, state, and federal roles in the implementation of key climate change and sustainable transportation laws.  Analyzing the Sacramento Area Council of Government’s Blueprint-based Metropolitan Transportation Plan under existing State frameworks reveals needed policy reform in order to successfully implement SB 375′s “Sustainable Communities Strategies”.

Without a secure, long-term transit funding source, land use patterns that promote cost-effective and quality transit, statewide pricing mechanisms, and changes to local codes and standards, California’s MPOs will not be able to achieve ambitious per capita GHG reductions under SB 375.  The paper also finds a need to incorporate federal resource agencies in the development of Regional Transportation Plans, establish statewide GHG thresholds for projects within a regional context, and prioritize network management over capacity enhancing transportation project.  Further, it proposes to “decouple” VMT growth from transportation revenue sources by incentivizing local government to reduce VMT and improve network management under a “Low Carbon Transportation Fund” funded by cap-and-trade auction revenues.  The State of California is seeing unprecedented challenges and opportunities to create a more flexible and durable funding framework that directly ties new performance metrics to projects and plans.  These changes will better reflect the array of values and concerns from Californians as the State struggles to fund an antiquated system that largely does not reflect the 3-E sustainability metrics of the economy, equity, and the environment.

And/Or Attend a Live Presentation!

When:     Wednesday, April 28th from 12pm-1pm

What:

• I will be presenting a “bird’s eye view” of my thesis highlights, including materials from my January Transportation Research Board session, MovingSlower legislative updates in California and DC, and developments at ULTRANS

Who:

• WALK Sacramento will be hosting the event.  Become a Facebook Fan of WALK here!

Where:

• Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; 777 12th Street, 3rd Floor
• Adjacent to 12th & H St Light Rail Station (Blue Line)
• Bike racks in front, or in parking garage first floor

RSVP:

• Please RSVP by April 27th to Terry Preston at tpreston@walksacramento.org

Perhaps we can work with the Senate Democrats and Republicans to ensure that vital performance metrics such as cost-effectiveness, equity impacts, and greenhouse gas reduction are included in any Senate version of the latest Jobs bill.  Congress has an upcoming climate bill that includes language on GHG reduction from transportation planning, and Oberstar’s Transportation Reauthorization is touted as a “new kind” of funding bill where performance metrics are a central highlight — however, these legislative concepts don’t seem to be integrated into the stimulus packages that promote quick-jobs through any “shovel ready” transportation infrastructure project.

Here’s My Vision: A “GREAT” Plan for the Federal Climate and Transportation Bills

UC Davis, Caltrans, and SACOG are leading the nation with integrated transportation, land use, and economic planning tools (integrated modeling) designed to support the transportation efficiency goals proposed in the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act and the Transportation Reauthorization.

Integrated modeling tools are essential for cost-effective prioritization of multi-billion dollar federal transportation infrastructure investment decisions.  These integrated modeling tools have been developed in California to support Darrell Steinberg’s SB 375 (transportation and land use element of AB 32) – ensuring fiscal, environmental, and socially equitable accountability.  This state investment can be leveraged to support federal transportation efficiency goals.  This innovative approach of integrating transportation, land use, and economic modeling can be used at the local, MPO, State, and Federal level as a guidance tool for the public and policy makers to better understand the benefits from transportation efficiency – including economic development, congestion reduction, and sustainable communities.  These new approaches are being embraced by senior US DOT, HUD and EPA staff who see this as an integral aspect to support the Partnership for Sustainable Communities; however, a federal program is needed to support integrated modeling tools.

The developments that California has made with integrated modeling could be used to support the goals of transportation efficiency in both the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act and the Transportation Reauthorization. In support of this vision, UC Davis’ Urban Land Use and Transportation Center recommends a consistent framework be included in both pieces of legislation to amplify the importance and ensure implementation success of federal transportation efficiency goals.

Integrated Modeling Essential for a “GREAT” Framework

• GHG Targets:
  • establishing greenhouse gas targets for transportation efficiency at the MPO and state level will require advanced modeling capabilities that include market dynamics
• Regional Plans:
  • developing an ambitious and achievable vision for sustainable regional growth must be supported with models that are sensitive to economic and transportation interactions
• Effective Use of Funds:
  • making cost-effective choices for transportation infrastructure is essential for state and local government, and requires federal support to develop tools to prioritize investments
• Accountability:
  • state and local government review of the performance of transportation investments will be necessary for greenhouse gas reduction evaluation
  • requires federal support to develop integrated modeling tools which can create a consistent platform for measuring project performance across states and MPOs
• Transportation Efficiency:
  • in order to ensure national objectives are met, integrated modeling tools will be necessary for each aspect of the proposed frameworks in the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act and the Transportation Reauthorization

Transportation and Infrastructure Investments in H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010

In a close vote of 217-212, the House passed a $154 billion jobs bill (HR 2847) on December 16, 2009.  The “Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010” includes $36.7 billion for highways and transit, and extends several other programs aimed at creating jobs and helping those hit hardest by the recession.  The Senate is not expected to consider the bill this year, and may craft its own version after reconvening in 2010.  H.R. 2847 also incorporates the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2009, which extends the core highway, highway safety, and transit programs through September 30, 2010, at $53.3 billion, the level assumed in the FY 2010 budget resolution.  In addition, the bill repeals the provision that prohibits Highway Trust Fund balances from earning interest and restores $20 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.

Highways:                   $27.5 billion

Transit:                       $8.4 billion

Amtrak:                       $800 million

House Passes FY10 Defense Appropriations; Includes Several Unrelated Program Extensions

On the same day, the House passed H.R. 3326, the FY 2010 Appropriations for the Department of Defense.  The vote was 395-34.  Included in the bill were several provisions to extend certain programs and to stimulate the economy. The program extensions run only until the end of February 2010, however, assuring that Congress will have to deal with them again early in the new year.  The bill provides $636.3 billion for the Department of Defense.  Among the non-defense provisions attached to the bill is the authorization for the highway, transit, highway safety and motor carrier safety programs of the Department of Transportation until February 28, 2010.  This means that if the “Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010” does not pass in the Senate, the Surface Transportation Authorization Extension will still apply through February of 2010.

Breakdown of the $36.7 Billion allocated for Highways and Transit in the Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010

I just have to put in another thumbs up to Secretary La Hood.  He has a genuine understanding of our transportation challenges and I can’t imagine a more qualified and perceptive leader for our US Department of Transportation.  I just became the 168th “Facebook Fan” of La Hood and encourage you to as well!!  Click here to become a fan and stay informed of La Hood’s many exciting developments at US DOT.

Report, petition call for safer roadway planning

But, as much leadership as DOT can offer, only Congress can authorize federal funding for such programs. And, as the petition urging my leadership on safer roadway planning reminds us:

“The Transportation Bill comes around just once every six years, and we can’t afford another six-year delay on building the 21st Century transportation system our country craves.”

That’s why, when we hold our upcoming open meetings on new transportation legislation, I urge all of you who care about this important issue–from experts to everyday pedestrians–to come forward and tell us how strongly you feel about this. Then, we can let Congress know how much momentum is truly behind safer road planning.

So please stay tuned as we announce the dates and locations of these meetings and please visit the websites of the organizations who visited me yesterday (I’ve listed them below) to see what you can do to raise your voice on this important issue.

AARP
America Bikes
American Public Health Association
National Complete Streets Coalition
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Smart Growth America
Surface Transportation Policy Partnership
Transportation For America

Darren Samuelsohn, E&E senior reporter (11/17/2009)

Senate Democratic leaders are planning floor debate on a major climate and energy bill in the spring, after they complete legislation on both health care and financial regulatory reform, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said yesterday.

Kerry, one of the climate bill’s lead authors, described the “big picture outline” of the 2010 Senate floor schedule following an hourlong meeting with Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and four other Democratic committee leaders working on the energy and global warming package.

Speaking to reporters, Kerry said he endorsed efforts to place climate change in the floor queue after the health care bill and a separate measure that places restrictions on Wall Street and the U.S. banks at the center of last year’s financial meltdown.

“I think it’d be good if we do that first, because it helps to establish the rules of the marketplace,” Kerry said.

Kerry said he hoped to deliver an energy and climate bill to Reid for floor debate “some time in the early spring, as early as possible” — a schedule that roughly lines up with the recently revamped U.N. negotiation plan on an international treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said she supported the move to advance financial regulatory reform first and said the energy and climate bill would not be ready with the requisite 60 votes earlier anyway.

“If in fact a cap-and-trade proposal were to go forward, we darn well better make sure our financial house is in order before we implement this brand new currency,” Murkowski said.

Senate action on the financial reform package has been slow for much of the year, but the pace is quickly changing for the two committees at the center of the effort.

Banking Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) will mark up legislation Thursday that takes broad aim at bringing more “over the counter” derivatives under regulation, as well as reforming credit rating agencies and major financial institutions. And Agriculture Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) is scheduled to hold a hearing tomorrow on a similar set of issues that have direct relation to the creation of a new U.S. carbon market estimated to be worth more than $1 trillion.

Lincoln told reporters yesterday that she has another regulatory reform hearing planned for next month and that she is working with Dodd on the overall package.

Reid’s office did not address specific questions about the timing of the different bills for 2010. But the Nevada Democrat issued a prepared statement on the overall direction of the climate and energy package.

“Today’s meeting offered us another opportunity to discuss the best way to move forward to bring to the floor strong, bipartisan climate protection legislation that can attract more than 60 votes,” Reid said.

“We are continuing to work to bring a bill to the Senate floor as soon as possible,” Reid added. “The proposals we are discussing will create millions of jobs, lower energy bills and reduce dependence on foreign oil imports. They will also invest significantly in 21st century clean energy technologies to make America more competitive. I am optimistic about our progress and look forward to more productive meetings to move this effort forward in the near future.”

Meanwhile, Reid plans to bring the six committee leaders together again next month before the U.N. talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kerry said.

Baucus’ markup plans

Key senators had different interpretations yesterday about when Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) would sign off on his pieces of the climate bill.

Kerry told reporters Baucus had agreed to finish his work dealing with international trade and allocation of valuable emission allowances by “early next year.”

“Max is dead-set serious about getting this done early, reporting to us, and that’s a very important component of it,” Kerry said. “But I’m very optimistic that he’s going to get that done and that’s going to be very timely.”

Kerry added that the Finance Committee chairman’s plan “is very much in keeping with the schedule that I’ve been sort of working on.”

But in a brief interview, Baucus was far from clear about his markup schedule. “Sometime soon,” he said. “I don’t have a date.” Pressed for more specifics, Baucus replied, “I mean some time next year. The first part of next year. Put it that way.”

Lincoln was the only one of the six Senate committee leaders with jurisdiction over energy and climate change who did not attend yesterday’s meeting in Reid’s office.

Kerry shrugged off her absence, saying he planned to meet with the new Agriculture Committee leader later this week alongside his lead co-authors, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Asked about her plans for holding hearings on climate legislation, Lincoln replied, “We are taking it one day at a time.”

‘This is a jobs bill’

Senate Democrats are juggling a number of priorities headed into the 2010 midterm elections, including unemployment figures above 10 percent for the first time in two decades.

Several media outlets have reported in recent days that Reid wants to advance another economic recovery bill next year, though details on the proposal remain unclear. Kerry insisted yesterday that any new economic stimulus bill dovetailed well with his work on the climate proposal.

“This is a jobs bill,” Kerry said. “This is without question a jobs bill. I’d say this is the biggest jobs bill staring us in the face without any question, and we’ll prove that as we go down the road in the next days. So if you want to do a jobs bill, this is the bill to do. And I’d argue that with the president very, very forcefully.”

No matter what they call it, Kerry and allies face an uphill climb to get their bill ready for floor debate.

For example, a coalition of 14 Midwestern Senate Democrats last week sent Reid, Kerry, Baucus and Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) a letter outlining concerns about allocation provisions that they say are too favorable to electric utilities on the coasts (E&ENews PM, Nov. 12).

Several Democratic senators who signed the letter are among those who E&E considers “fence sitters” in the climate debate, including Sens. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan — a fact not lost on Kerry.

“If people as a bloc of 14 have a concern, we have an obligation to try and address it, figure out where we are,” Kerry said.

Delay wins accolades

The Democrats’ shift to financial regulatory reform won accolades from many on Capitol Hill.

“The way you restore confidence in the financial system is to put the pieces together in a way that prevents the kind of thing we saw last year from ever happening again,” said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). “I think it’s a huge priority.”

But Dorgan downplayed any connection between the Wall Street proposal and the climate bill. “Financial reform is necessary just to restore faith in the financial system,” he said. “The issue of how you reduce carbon and what mechanism you use, that’s a different issue.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a member of the Agriculture and EPW committees, said the additional time would be useful for building support on the global warming measure. “There will be a lot of work done on the energy bill all through that time,” she said. “We need that time to work on it, just like we used the time on the health care reform, to work on the bill to get through [the EPW] committee.”

Boxer insisted that authors of the energy and climate bill never had an agreement from Democratic leaders that their proposal would be next on the floor after health care. The California Democrat added that it was more important this year for the Senate to show some progress headed into U.N. negotiations next month in Copenhagen, though even that schedule got a bit of relief when world leaders agreed this weekend to delay signatures on a final treaty until 2010.

“We’ll have to do something next year because that’s when we’re going to have the final agreement, worldwide agreement,” Boxer said. “The hope is to get this done next year and to make as much progress as we can right now toward that goal.”

E&E reporters Robin Bravender and Kate Ling contributed.