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SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE State Capitol
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News Release
February 23, 2010
CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 986-1074
Bill sets the stage for tackling transportation &
greenhouse gas reductions
SB 1059 is the product of
a diverse work group established in the 2009 session
SALEM – Legislation
that will help governments make decisions about how to develop smart,
sustainable, and cost-effective transportation systems passed in the Senate
this afternoon. Senate Bill 1059 lays the groundwork for communities to plan for
future population and employment growth while reducing greenhouse gases.
“This bill
deals with one important piece of the climate puzzle – transportation,”
said Senator Alan Bates (D-Ashland), who carried the bill on the floor. “We
must design our cities more efficiently, everything from timing our traffic
signals to increasing our ability to run errands with fewer or shorter trips in
the car. This bill sets the stage for progress.”
A task force established by the 2009
Legislature proposed Senate Bill 1059, which would assist Oregon's six major
metropolitan areas to develop plans to broaden transportation choices while
also helping Oregon meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
“Oregon is
fast becoming a leader in green transportation options, be it light rail or
streetcar, bike paths, or pedestrian friendly neighborhoods,” said Senator
Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland). “Cutting down on driving saving money,
encourages healthy behavior, and promotes greater energy independence.”
Specifically, SB
1059 lays the groundwork for smart and cost effective action by developing a
state-level strategy to reduce greenhouse gases from transportation sources,
developing a “toolkit” to assist local governments and metropolitan
planning organizations, setting greenhouse gas reductions targets, and
encouraging public education.
“A sizable
majority of people want to live in communities that allow them to drive less
often,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), citing a
study by the National Association of Realtors. “This bill is a good step
forward in figuring out how to address Oregon’s transportation needs
while meeting Oregon’s renewable energy goals.”
The bill will now
go to the House for consideration.
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For more
information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit oregonsenatedemocrats.com