Majority Statement

• Daniel K. Inouye

  Senator
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  Majority Statement

  Daniel K. Inouye

  This Committee, with its diverse jurisdiction, has a history of rising to meet climate change challenges by advancing, in a bipartisan manner, legislation that will make a difference in the fight against global climate change. Legislation passed by this Committee will result in a meaningful reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by increasing fuel efficiency standards for American’s cars. 

   

  In addition, the actions of this Committee have strengthened climate change research programs, addressed ocean acidification, and ensured that adequate information and data are available to help lawmakers, regulators, and planners, among others, make informed decisions and adapt to changing climate conditions.

   

  Today’s hearing regarding climate change impacts on the transportation sector is a continuation of the Commerce Committee’s work to examine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and to determine what role the federal government should play in encouraging these efforts. 

   

  The transportation sector is a major indicator of the overall economic health of our nation. Given that fact, it is important to recognize that climate affects the design, construction, safety, and operations and maintenance of transportation infrastructure and systems. 

   

  For example, as we will hear today, predicted increases in precipitation and frequency of storms will impact our transportation systems. Recent flooding in the Midwest resulted in submerged highways and railroad bridges and significant diversion of freight traffic. In addition, severe storms have caused major airport delays around the country.

   

  While there is a need for the transportation sector to adapt to the environmental changes brought on by global climate change, it is also widely recognized that the transportation sector has contributed to the causes of climate change. 

   

  Transportation sources account for approximately one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation emissions are among the fastest rising of all emitting sectors, due to increased consumption of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the transportation sector will increase 26 percent by the year 2020.”

   

  Today’s hearing will examine climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts in the transportation sector, including the surface transportation, maritime, and aviation industries. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about how the transportation sector can adapt to the impacts of climate change, increase fuel efficiency, and otherwise reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Frank R. Lautenberg

  Senator
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  Majority Statement

  Frank R. Lautenberg

  One-third of America’s greenhouse gas emissions come from cars, trucks and buses.

   

  Dr. James Hansen, a NASA scientist, said just last week, ‘If we don’t begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the next several years…then we are in trouble.’

   

  We must begin by getting cars off the road, and getting more people onto passenger rail, buses, subways and other types of mass transit.

   

  Already, more and more people are riding public transit.  It’s more efficient, more convenient, and with these high gas prices, more affordable.

   

  As we all know, gas has skyrocketed from $1.50 a gallon in 2000 to more than $4.00 a gallon today.

   

  And that’s why, in the first three months of this year, the number of people taking mass transit options rose more than three percent over the same period last year.

   

  Amtrak also set records last month—both in number of riders and amount of revenue.

   

  The Lautenberg-Lott Amtrak bill, which we hope to finalize soon and send to President Bush for signature, will lead to even more rail options for travelers.

   

  But for travelers who still need or choose to drive, we must continue improving the fuel economy of our cars and trucks.

   

  Last year, we took the historic step of increasing the fuel efficiency of our vehicles for the first time in decades.

   

  But that same day, the Bush EPA denied a waiver to allow California, New Jersey and 14 other states to set fuel economy at the even higher standard of 40 miles per gallon by 2020.

   

  If this waiver were granted, it would take the equivalent of more than six million cars and trucks off the road.  Congress must act to overturn the President’s action.

   

  Congress must also act to ensure more efficient movement of freight.

   

  Trains are at least six times more energy-efficient than trucks, and barges are at least eight times more efficient.

   

  I chaired a subcommittee hearing two weeks ago on freight transportation needs.

   

  Based on what I learned, I plan to introduce tax relief legislation, which will encourage greater use of ships and barges—or ‘short-sea shipping’—between U.S. ports.

   

  By investing in fuel efficiency, mass transit, and better freight strategies, we can both bring relief to people at the pump and fight global warming for generations to come.

Testimony

• The Honorable Thomas J. Barrett

  Deputy Secretary

  Department of Transportation
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• Dr. James M. Turner

  Acting Director

  National Institute of Standards and Technology
  Download Testimony (67.81 KB)

• Dr. Thomas C. Peterson

  Senior Scientist

  National Climatic Data Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  Download Testimony (36.14 KB)

Witness Panel 2

• The Honorable John D. Porcari

  Chair

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Climate Change Technical Assistance Program, Secretary of Transportation of Maryland
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• Dr. G. Edward Dickey

  Affiliate Professor of Economics,

  Loyola College in Maryland, on behalf of the National Research Council
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• Mr. David Friedman

  Research Director, Clean Vehicles Program

  Union of Concerned Scientists
  Download Testimony (185.18 KB)

• Mr. Edward Hamberger

  President and CEO

  Association of American Railroads
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• Mr. Mead Treadwell

  Chairman

  Arctic Research Commission
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• Mr. John M. Meenan

  Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

  Air Transport Association
  Download Testimony (226.34 KB)