Transportation For America » Obama cites transportation’s role in greenhouse gas reduction at UN Climate Change Summit

Obama cites transportation’s role in greenhouse gas reduction at UN Climate Change Summit

September 22, 2009
By Sean Barry

President Barack Obama stressed changes in transportation emissions at the UN climate change summit today.

“We’ve proposed the very first national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks — a standard that will also save consumers money and our nation oil,” Obama said.

The Obama administration should be commended for its bold action on new fuel economy standards for all American cars and trucks. But his transportation policy needs to be even bolder. Americans are yearning for new choices that relieve them at the pump and get them off of our clogged highways. While a measly one percent of the House climate change bill is allocated toward clean transit, Obama has the opportunity to make a strong stand for additional funds in the Senate version.

Obama concluded his remarks by calling for practical solutions and a willingness to put the needs of future generations over the quick-fixes of today.

“For if we are flexible and pragmatic, if we can resolve to work tirelessly in common effort, then we will achieve our common purpose: a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier than the one we found; and a future that is worthy of our children,” he said.