Transportation for America Partners,

Last week Senator Graham retracted his support of the climate bill due to the possible introduction of legislation on immigration.  Senate leadership is working to get climate discussions back on track, but for now the bill introduction is postponed.  However, this delay gives us more time to weigh in on the bill and make sure that clean transportation gets it fair share.  

Tell your Senators to make sure the climate bill includes investments in clean transportation options.  

With so many different issues gaining attention on the Hill and in the 2010 electoral debate, we want to make sure transportation stays a part of these discussions.  Tune in this Thursday for our partner call, as we discuss opportunities and ideas for making transportation a campaign priority this fall.

Best,

Lea Schuster,
Field Director
202-955-5543 x229
lea.schuster@t4america.org

Washington Update

On the climate front, negotiations are taking place to get the Kerry, Graham and Lieberman legislation moving again after Sen. Graham walked away from the bill last week.   In transportation, EPW staff are continuing to meet with organizations as they work on drafting the federal authorization.

TWU and ATU workers held a rally that took the Hill by storm last Tuesday, calling for emergency action on transit funding.  And later in the week, T4America partnered with Second Nature, to hold a lobby day with University and College Presidents from all over the country.  The Presidents urged our congress to prioritize lowering green house gases in the transportation authorization.

Take Action

• Secretary LaHood has been a great advocate, leading the way to make bicycling and walking equal modes of transportation.  Join us in thanking him by adding your organization to this letter by May 19th.
• Join Smart Growth America in supporting the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities, by signing this letter to the Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Email Natalie Robles by May 7th to add your organization.
• Get ready for TIGER II, the interim Notice of Funding Availability has been released, and pre- applications will be due in July.
  

Partner News

• Attend the Good Jobs, Green Jobs conference this week on May 4-6.  Register here today.
• USPIRG released a report and the state of our nation's roads and bridges.  "Road Work Ahead: Holding Government Accountable for Fixing America's Crumbling Roads and Bridges"
• Rail investments will help our planet, Lansing State Journal: Michigan Environmental Council