[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INTRODUCTION OF ``CLEAN TEA''

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce 
``CLEAN TEA,'' the Clean Low-Emissions Affordable New Transportation 
Equity Act, with my colleagues Ellen Tauscher and Steven LaTourett. 
This legislation recognizes that the United States cannot meet its 
climate change goals without addressing emissions from the 
transportation sector. Transportation is responsible for about one-
third of greenhouse gas emissions; passenger automobiles and light 
trucks alone contribute 21 percent. The transportation sector must be 
responsible for a proportionate amount of the solution.
  Since 1980, the number of miles Americans drive has grown three times 
faster than the U.S. population, and almost twice as fast as vehicle 
registrations. Although new vehicle technology and low carbon fuel can 
substantially reduce emissions from automobiles and light trucks, these 
gains are likely to be offset by continuing growth in vehicle miles 
traveled. It is critical that legislation to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions also provides people with low-carbon transportation options 
through community design and transportation alternatives. Providing 
consumers with transportation options will also save them money and 
provide additional public health, environmental, economic, and quality 
of life benefits.
  CLEAN TEA is predicated on the adoption of a comprehensive climate 
change bill that would generate revenue for the Federal government. 
Under CLEAN TEA, 10 percent of the funding generated through this 
legislation would be used to create a more efficient transportation 
system and lower greenhouse gas emissions through strategies such as 
funding new or expanded transit or passenger rail supporting 
development around transit stops, and making neighborhoods safer for 
bikes and pedestrians.
  In order to be eligible for the funding authorized by this 
legislation, cities and state departments of transportation would have 
to review their transportation plans and determine how they could 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill then provides federal funding 
for projects in those transportation plans to be distributed to states 
and localities based on the expected reductions in greenhouse gas 
emissions in each plan. States and cities with more ambitious plans 
would receive greater funding.
  As we move forward to address climate change, I hope my colleagues 
will work with me to align our transportation and climate policy goals. 
By doing this, we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve our 
communities, save Americans money, and create a transportation system 
for the 21st century.

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