National Commission Report Proves Federal Transportation Program is Broke, Former Federal Highway Administration Consultant Says
January 15, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Replogle, 301-529-0351-c, mreplogle@ed.org
Sean Crowley, 202-550-6524-c, scrowley@ed.org
(Washington, DC – January 15, 2008) The report issued today by the National Surface Policy and Revenue Study Commission (see http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org/final_report) provides valuable ideas for improving America’s surface transportation system, according to a leading group in promoting more environmentally-friendly transportation policies. The group, Environmental Defense, said it would be a mistake for Congress to boost gasoline taxes and other revenues for transportation investment without first adopting significant reforms to ensure sound transportation spending.
“America’s transportation system is broke and broken,” said Environmental Defense transportation director Michael Replogle, a former consultant to the Federal Highway Administration. “The impending bankruptcy of the federal Highway Trust Fund should not be addressed in isolation, but together with policies ensuring transportation spending contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as well as improved mobility and travel choices.”
“New revenues from gas tax increases, tolls, or public private partnerships won’t solve transportation problems unless it’s clear what the goals are and unless the revenue measures, projects, and policies are designed to address them,” Replogle concluded. “We are pleased that the Commission’s report calls for more attention to performance and accountability for transportation investment – whether it comes from public or private sources.”
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Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. www.environmentaldefense.org