Rep. Doris Matsui Introduces Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee

(202) 225-7163

Rep. Doris Matsui Introduces Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009
Legislation Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions and is Included in Comprehensive Energy Legislation Introduced Today

Acting to strengthen our economic recovery and provide a roadmap for community development, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) introduced H.R. 1780, the Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009, which aligns infrastructure and land use planning with greenhouse gas reduction goals to preserve resources and fight climate change.

This legislation provides a comprehensive approach to limit vehicle miles traveled, gives communities the incentives they need to grow and prosper, and helps our economy recover. About one-third of the United States' carbon dioxide emissions come from the transportation sector. As a result, the United States will not achieve needed greenhouse gas reduction goals unless we improve the way we plan densely-populated communities and utilize our transportation network with a focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled.

"The Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act creates the framework needed for states and communities to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals through more focused short-, medium- and long-term land use and transportation planning," said Congresswoman Matsui. "This bill addresses the climate crisis by giving larger communities the incentives they need to grow and develop in a way that complements our national global warming strategy."

Specifically, the legislation directs and provides grants to states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop and implement land use and transportation plans that:

andbull; Set reduction goals from mobile sources that stabilize emissions in a given year (states are required to consider 2010) and reduce emissions in subsequent years;
andbull; Invest in public transit and increase ridership by adding new bus and rail systems, as well as by promoting employer-based subsidies and cleaner technologies;
andbull; Reduce vehicle miles traveled through more coordinated land use planning that focuses future job growth close to existing and planned job centers, accommodates all modes of transportation, and promotes mixed land use for housing, retail, and schools;
andbull; Encourage the use of retrofit technologies and early replacement of polluting vehicles, engines, and equipment;
andbull; Create infrastructure for intermodal freight and shipping;
andbull; Implement creative telecommuting, parking, and travel demand strategies.

H. R. 1780 would encourage States and metropolitan areas to expand clean, low-cost transportation options in order to meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets, including new and increased transit service, land-use practices that promote walkable, transit-served neighborhoods, bicycle and pedestrian friendly complete street networks, and expanded, smart commuting options for drivers. The bill also ensures that the public is involved throughout the process to set targets and develop the plans to meet the targets.

"Congresswoman Matsui's groundbreaking legislation will significantly advance states' efforts to reduce transportation-caused greenhouse gas emissions and broaden the range of low-cost travel and living options to their residents," said Transportation for America Director James Corless, which is a broad-based public coalition of organizations working for 21st century transportation investments. "Matsui's bill marks a significant step forward and builds on the groundbreaking Blueprint program in Rep. Matsui's hometown of Sacramento, California."

Energy and Commerce Introduces the American Clean Energy and Security Act

Chairman Henry Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee today released a draft of clean energy legislation that will create jobs, help end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and combat global warming. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) is a comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that charts a new course towards a clean energy economy, and includes Congresswoman Matsui's Smart Planning for Smart Growth legislation.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence, and cut global warming pollution. To meet these goals, the legislation has four titles:

andbull; A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, low-carbon fuels, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission;
andbull; An energy efficiency title that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry;
andbull; A global warming title that places limits on emissions of heat-trapping pollutants;
andbull; A transitioning title that protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Energy and Commerce Committee will complete consideration of the legislation by Memorial Day. The preliminary schedule is as follows:

andbull; Week of March 31: Discussion Draft Released
andbull; Week of April 20: Energy and Environment Subcommittee Hearings
andbull; Week of April 27: Energy and Environment Subcommittee Markup Period Begins
andbull; Week of May 11: Full Energy and Commerce Committee Markup Period Begins

"I am pleased that the Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act that I introduced is included in the Energy and Commerce Committee's comprehensive clean energy legislation," said Congresswoman Matsui. "Meeting our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals requires comprehensive legislation that reforms the greatest sources of pollution, invests in clean energy technology, produces green jobs and makes a real difference in climate change. The Smart Planning and Smart Growth and the American Clean Energy and Security Acts will put us on the road toward a clean energy future, energy independence, and a stronger, greener economy."