1975
Energy policy and Conservation Act passed. It was to ensure that automobile gasoline consumption would be reduced to the lowest level possible and to promote energy conservation plans.

The Urban Mass Transportation Administration and Federal Highway Administration issues joint urban transportation planning regulations.

1976
Federal Aid Highway Act passed. Broadened the use of Interstate Highway funds. Also permitted funds to be used for maintenance. The completion date for the Interstate system was extended to September 30, 1990.

Institute of Transportation Engineers published the first edition of the Trip Generation manual. Revised editions 1979, 1982, 1987, and 1991.

The Viking II photographs Saturn.

1977
Thirty-nine states converted highway departments to Departments of Transportation with multi-modal planning.

Federal Clean Air Act Amendments passed. Increased the flexibility and local responsibility in the administration of the Act. Required local governments to develop revisions to state implementation plans for all areas not meeting national ambient air quality standards.

1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act passed. This was the first time that highway, public transportation and highway safety were combined into one piece of legislation.

1979
Iran cut off crude oil shipments to western nations causing the second oil crisis.

In Bakersfield, the Golden Empire Transit District initiated curb-to-curb dial-a-ride service (Get-A-Lift) for people unable to access the fixed route service.

1980
Total registered vehicles in California surpasses 17 million and vehicle miles traveled is 155 billion.

Amtrak began the second round trip in the San Joaquin Valley between Oakland and Bakersfield.

Kern County population was 403,089 people.

1981
Federal Aid Highway Act passed. Established early completion and preservation of the Interstate system as the highest priority highway system.

San Diego trolley begins service.

1982
Surface Transportation Assistance Act passed. Extended authorization for the highway, safety and transit programs.

1984
Urban Mass Transit Administration issued a revised Urban Mass Transportation Major Capital Investment Policy.

Urban Transportation Administration published Para-transit Policy.

California Smog Check Program goes into effect to identify vehicles in need of maintenance and to assure the effectiveness of the their emission control systems.

1987
Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act. Passed over President Reagan's veto. Authorized highway and transit funding. Also updated rules for compensating persons and businesses displaced by developments with federal funding. Raised speed limits outside urban areas to 65 miles per hour.

1988
Kern Motorist Aid Authority formed to install call boxes along Kern County highways.

California Clean Air Act is signed by Governor Deukmejian.

Amtrak began third and fourth round trips in the San Joaquin Valley between Oakland and Bakersfield.

The Los Angeles-Fresno-Bay Area/Sacramento High Speed Rail Corridor Study Group was established.

1990
Rail trolley systems had achieved substantial resurgence in the U.S. Boston, Cleveland, Newark, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco had renovated existing rail systems. Buffalo, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose had opened new rail transit systems. New systems were under construction in Baltimore, Dallas and St. Louis.

Federal Clean Air Act Amendments passed. Addressed the attainment and maintenance issues. None attainment areas were classified in accordance with severity. Conformity provisions were expanded. Conformity determinations were required to assure that federally approved or financially assisted projects or actions conform to an air quality State Implementation Plan. Required transportation-air quality issues to be analyzed on a system-wide basis.

American With Disabilities Act (ADA) passed. Prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability in both the public an private sectors.

Total registered vehicles in California reaches 23 million and vehicle miles traveled is 242 billion.

U.S. Department of Transportation issued ADA regulations that required transit
authorities to only buy or lease accessible transit vehicles.

Kern County population was 543,477 people.

1991
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act passed. Federal Transit Administration established. Formerly the Urban Mass Transit Administration. Permitted transportation funds to be expended on environmental projects that enhance existing transportation facilities. Created the Intelligent Vehicle and Highway System Program.

1992
Phase 1, California Cleaner Burning Gasoline comes to market.

1993
California Air Resources Board enacts new standard for cleaner diesel fuel. California diesel comes to market.

The Intercity High Speed Rail Commission was created in California. The Commission was to develop a framework for implementation of a high speed rail system in California.

1994
Court orders Federal Environmental Protection Agency to develop Federal Implementation Plan for numerous non-attainment areas in California.

California Smog Check II program signed into law by Governor Wilson.

1995
Total registered vehicles in California reaches 26 million and vehicle miles traveled is 271 billion.

Golden Empire Transit District (Bakersfield) began use of natural gas buses.

1996
Big seven automakers commit to manufacture and sale zero emission vehicles.

California Phase II Cleaner Burning Gasoline comes to market.

California's State Implementation Plan for ozone is approved by Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The California High Speed Rail Authority was created to direct the development and implementation of intercity high speed rail service in California.

1997
In Bakersfield, the Golden Empire Transit District received its first natural gas buses.

1998
Congress debates the re-authorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act.

California Smog Check II program begins.

In Bakersfield, the Golden Empire Transit district began crosstown express service. Bicycle racks were added to all buses.

The California High Speed Rail Authority issues its final report that identified a high speed rail corridor connecting northern and southern California

1999
Congress passes the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century.

2000
San Joaquin Valley Air Basin re-classified as serve non-attainment for ozone.

Kern County population was 661,645 people.