From the article:
" Americans by the scores of millions have been happily trading distance for space, living farther from their jobs in order to enjoy ample backyards and other aspects of low-density living. And long before climate change became another excuse for disparaging America's "automobile culture," many liberal intellectuals were bothered by the automobile. It subverted their agenda of expanding government—meaning their—supervision of other people's lives. Drivers moving around where and when they please? Without government supervision? Depriving themselves and others of communitarian moments on mass transit? No good could come of this.<<<<<<

Therefore, it's better that the government subvert their agenda building billions of dollars in massive highways, roads and bridges? George prefers that I'm supervised into into a life of motor transport? Depriving me of communitarian moments on transit? No good could come of this!