Congresswoman Doris Matsui pushes forward on the transportation-climate connection
May 20, 2009By Andrew Bielak
We’ve talked to you before about the climate legislation currently being debated in Congress, and the efforts of Congresswoman Doris Matsui of California to include a specific provision that would align infrastructure and land use planning with greenhouse gas reduction goals to preserve resources and fight climate change.
In recent marathon sessions — that’s right, they run up to 14 hours — members of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the U.S. House have been working in overdrive on the legislation, known as “The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.” Thankfully, the issues of providing better transportation options and promoting smart development have found a true champion in Congresswoman Matsui.
In yesterday’s hearing, Congresswoman Matsui had the opportunity to state her case for her Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act (H.R. 1780), and successfully garnered a commitment from Henry Waxman, the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, to work together on these issues. Her remarks are below:
Mr. Chairman, I would like to get your commitment to work together with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee going forward to address all aspects of Section 222…from modeling…to development of plans…to implementation of plans…to be eligible for funding by states. States and cities will need resources to not only effectively plan…they will also need resources necessary to implement strategies like increasing transit use.
Chairman Waxman responded with a pledge to Congresswoman Matsui to continue working to fund transportation and planning activities that make our communities safer, healthier and more economically secure. You can watch the whole exchange here the Committee’s website. For Congresswoman Matsui’s statement and exchange, skip to 8:49:10.
The Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act would requires states and metropolitan planning organizations to create regional plans designed to generate emissions reductions and cost savings from the transportation sector by reducing per-capita vehicle miles traveled.
With transportation accounting for more 30 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions, we know that we must act quickly to ensure that it remains an essential part of the debate on climate. Be sure to sign a letter to your representative in Congress urging them to support a clean and efficient transportation system.
-
- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
March 8, 2010 - Transit riders in Atlanta face massive cuts, “wholesale restructuring” of service
March 5, 2010 - Opposition to Senate extension results in looming shutdown of federal transportation programs
February 26, 2010 - T4 jobs proposal would create nearly half a million jobs, according to Economic Policy Institute
February 17, 2010 - Obama’s 2011 budget gives a lift to livability and transportation
February 2, 2010
- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
The United States of Transit Cutbacks
Driving is down and transit ridership is at record highs. Yet transit agencies across the country are considering layoffs, service cuts and fare hikes. Find out more and learn what you can do to help at t4america.org/transitcuts
Transportation: In your eyes
Send us your transportation-related photos.
