Three of the most forward-thinking leaders who work for the government have joined together to petition the federal government to address the nation's inefficient and aging infrastructure.

Governors Schwarzenegger (CA) and Rendell (PA) joined with NYC Mayor Bloomberg to form the Building America's Future coalition, as reported by variable toll pricing -- when traffic is worse, the price goes up.)

The three founding members should all be praised for taking the first steps and should huddle with their respective senators and house members to build consensus on what they need from the federal government to support regional efforts. Eliminating losses from the power grid via transmission lines, revamping the trains, and fixing roadways are priorities.

The money from the federal government would not require new taxes or borrowing if all of the pork barrel projects that representatives of all parties invariably add to legislation were eliminated. Each state will get some of the benefit to their local economies (and make happier their constituents), but it requires some difficult choices and sacrifices.

I expect that other sustainably minded governors -- from Texas, Florida, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere -- will join the effort. These are national issues that requires coordinating efforts from the bottom (local) up.