Experts say that fuel efficiency offers the most immediate and largest potential for reducing CO2 emissions from the transportation sector over the next three decades.  The transport emissions reduction policy measure that would have the most immediate impact is the one that demands more from the most fuel and carbon efficient forms of transportation—notably, trains and transit. To do that will require resources that will be difficult to obtain in the current economic environment. 

H.R. 2454 does not provide an allocation for fuel/carbon efficient transportation.  Consequently, the current form of the bill is bad public policy.  The current state of the Highway Trust Fund (which also has been providing 80% of Federal funding for transit) underlines the importance of making every effort to include transportation infrastructure investment in climate change legislation.

Since polls show that environmental causes have taken a hit because of the economy, it is important to remember—and to remind your colleagues—that good public transport reduces total transportation costs of households by giving citizens more choices, including the opportunity to drive less.

You know as well as anyone that raising the “flag” now can prove helpful even if your immediate efforts are not successful.  There is widespread doubt that the Senate will do a counterpart bill this year.  In any event, every effort to remind your colleagues that climate change is not all about electric power companies will be helpful in the long run.
Sincerely,

Ross B. Capon
President

cc: The Honorable John Mica
The Honorable Corrine Brown
The Honorable Bill Shuster
The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio
The Honorable John J. Duncan Jr.