Transportation for America Applauds Move By Representative Matsui to Dramatically Reduce Emissions
April 1, 2009By Transportation for America
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| Contact: Cosabeth Bullock 202-478-6128 202-904-7466 cbullock@mrss.com |
Washington, D.C. — A bill introduced today by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) will significantly advance states’ efforts to reduce transportation-caused greenhouse gas emissions, while providing a broader range of low-cost travel and living options to their residents.
Rep. Matsui’s groundbreaking bill, referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, marks a significant step forward, ensuring that the transportation sector begins to do its part toward climate protection. The bill, the Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009, would require states to set goals for reducing their transportation sector emissions and ensure regional transportation planning is in line with the state greenhouse gas goals. It builds on the groundbreaking Blueprint program in Rep. Matsui’s hometown of Sacramento, California.
The bill advocates for coordination between individual states and the Environmental Protection Agency in setting the greenhouse gas emissions targets for 10- and 20-year periods. States and metropolitan areas are encouraged to expand clean, low-cost transportation options in order to meet those targets, including new and increased transit service, land-use practices that promote walkable, transit-served neighborhoods, bicycle and pedestrian friendly complete street networks, and expanded, smart commuting options for drivers. The bill ensures that the public is involved throughout the process to set targets and develop the plans to meet the targets.
Transportation systems contribute approximately one-third of the total annual CO2 emissions in the U.S. Right now more than half of U.S. households lack ready access to transportation options that will reduce individual greenhouse emissions and help stem global warming.
If we are going to successfully combat global warming and protect our climate, Congress must offer meaningful financial and regulatory incentives for states and metropolitan areas to design and implement aggressive plans that provide residents with cleaner transportation options and begin to modernize our national transportation program. The transportation sector must contribute its fair share toward greenhouse gas emissions reductions in order to meet climate goals and reduce the burden on the rest of the economy.
Transportation for America urges the Committee to include the Matsui approach in forthcoming climate legislation.
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