The Environmental Law and Policy Center writes:

Dear Reader,

Congress is now considering $825 billion in tax cuts and spending to rebuild our economy. Done correctly, this legislation will create green jobs, build a high-speed rail network, and rebuild our transit systems. Done wrong, it will waste billions on new "bridges to nowhere" and highways that worsen our dependence on foreign oil.

Unfortunately, the proposal now before the U.S. House contains only $1.1 billion for passenger rail, a fraction of the $5 billion recommended by the House Transportation Committee.

Please ask Congress to do it right by sending your representative and senators a letter today.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

Your Congressperson
Your Senators

Click "Read More" for a sample letter

Subject: Please use Economic Stimulus to Create the Green Economy

Dear Congressperson ________,

As you consider transportation investments in the economic recovery package, please use this opportunity to invest in a Midwest high-speed rail network and our public transit systems.

More roads and highways mean more dependence on oil for the long-term, and more global warming pollution. Public transportation alternatives, such as public transit, high-speed rail and smart growth solutions, reduce global warming and give people more options. Moreover, investments in clean transportation alternatives create more jobs per dollar spent than investments in new roads. Unfortunately, the current proposal contains just $1.1 billion for passenger rail, a small fraction of the projects that are ready to build.

As my legislative representative in Washington, I ask you keep the stimulus clean by investing more in public transit, passenger rail and smart growth solutions, not new and expanded roads.

I look forward to hearing from you about your vote.

Sincerely,
__________