Rail is a critical climate solution
How passenger rail is integral to our environmental goals and can help fight climate change,
by By Patrick Carnahan, Co-Executive Director, All Aboard Washington and Tim Gould, Transportation & Land Use Committee Chair, Sierra Club Washington
Rail is the only form of mechanized ground transportation that does not contribute to tire-related massive salmon die-off. Yet, news of University of Washington research on tire dust toxicity to coho salmon coincides with the state virtually freezing intercity passenger train service.
Clean Transportation Is a Critical Climate Solution
by Will Anderson, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Campaign
Right now, transportation is the biggest source of climate-disrupting emissions in the US, and a major source of air pollution, especially in low-income communities and communities of color. But Congress has the power to change that.
Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA
The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to anthropogenic U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990–2019 (the national inventory that the U.S. prepares annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2019. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads, among other sources, all contribute to transportation end-use sector emissions.
A short video about Solutionary Rail’s campaign for a just transition to a decarbonized transportation and clean energy infrastructure.
Rail is an important part of a just and equitable transportation system
“..many families struggle with the cost of transportation. It’s time for a transportation system that supports clean air, climate stability, and healthy families living in economically vibrant neighborhoods. A system that provides everyone—including those too young, too old, too poor, or physically unable to drive—with equitable access to the places they need and want to go.”
Oregon Environmental Council: People-Focused Transportation Solutions
Transportation for all
The way we get around makes a difference for our health and our environment. Cars and trucks emit nearly 40% of Oregon’s climate pollution and more than one-half of Oregon’s air pollution.
Western Interstate Trains Coalition, Make America’s Trains Great Again
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Other Advocacy Organizations
