The nation’s dependence on cars and how state and federal laws drive that dependence will be the focus of this week’s Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series, hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The speaker for Thursday’s program is Greg Shill, an associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. Shill has researched the many state, local and federal laws that he says make driving “the price of first-class citizenship,” detailing his finding in a law review article and in an article in the Atlantic titled “Americans Shouldn’t Have to Drive, but the Law Insists on It.” During his talk, Shill is expected to cover the many laws that provide incentives to driving, from local ordinances to federal tax policy. He also will discuss changes lawmakers, and individuals, could make that would improve quality of life and enhance economic growth. According to the 2017 National Household Transportation Survey, 88.4% of trips taken in the Greater Des Moines metro area were taken in a car, SUV, van or pickup truck. Thursday’s program is scheduled to begin with a historical preview at 11:45 a.m., followed by Shill’s presentation from noon to 1 p.m. For more information on the Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series, visit tomorrowplanspeakerseries.org. To register for Thursday’s program, go to tomorrowplanspeakerseries.org/greg-shill/.