Earl Blumenauer

Transit reduces CO2 emissions

US Congressman, Oregon’s 3rd Congressional district, Feb 24, 10.

Tagged with transportation, environment, transit, climate change, global warming, greenhouse gas emissions

With passage of the Waxman-Markey legislation, the House laid the foundation for curbing global warming emissions and investing in clean, renewable energy. Now the Senate must follow suit.

In the interim, the House can also do more to address global warming by investing in rebuilding and renewing America’s infrastructure. Transportation accounts for one-third of the nation’s output of carbon pollution, and by giving people more commuting choices, we can decrease congestion, curb emissions and reduce the amount of money people spend on gasoline. They shouldn’t have to burn a gallon of gas to buy a gallon of milk.

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There is also real job growth linked to investments in transportation infrastructure. While highway and transit investments account for just 4 percent of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, they have been responsible for 25 percent of the jobs created or saved. In fact, investments in public transportation created twice as many jobs per dollar as investments in highways.

It is clear that Congress has a new partnership with the administration, which has taken real steps to improve America’s transportation system. Last week, Obama announced $8 billion in funding for high-speed rail, which will help create new manufacturing jobs at home while providing a practical alternative to flying and driving. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transportation Administrator Peter Rogoff have also acted to unleash funding for streetcar projects through the Small Starts program, which could help revitalize communities across the nation, from Detroit to New Orleans.

As Congress works to enact legislation that will reinvigorate the nation’s economy, stimulate job growth, and address the climate crisis, I urge my colleagues to focus on rebuilding and renewing America’s infrastructure. These investments, especially in public transportation, will reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels while continuing to spur and sustain private-sector jobs that will have a swift impact on the economy.

Full article: Transit bills fight climate change
Source: Politico, February 8, 2010

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