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Dear Chairman Boxer:

On behalf of the more than 1,500 member organizations of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), I write to thank you for recognizing the contributions public transportation makes in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.  It is our understanding that your pending amendment to the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191) will include a proposal from Senator Cardin to allocate a portion of the revenues from the sale of emission allowances to increase public transportation use.  New investment in transit will help further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.  This addition to the Lieberman-Warner bill would be a wise investment in the future health of our environment.  

In 2005, public transportation use in the U.S. directly prevented the emission of 6.9 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide and 400,000 metric tonnes of other types of greenhouse gases.  These emission savings are from transit riders not driving and reduced congestion in urban areas as a result of transit.  While these savings are valuable, transit can do even more.  When efficient land-use patterns are combined with the expansion of transit, the carbon footprint of our communities can be dramatically reduced. 

Through the investment proposed by Senator Cardin, we can reduce emissions dramatically by providing Americans with environmentally sensible transportation choices.  We must ensure that emission reductions from a carbon cap will not be offset by the growth in travel on our roadways that is inevitable unless alternatives such as transit are provided.  APTA looks forward to working with you as you advance this vitally important piece of legislation.

Sincerely,

William W. Millar
President

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