Advocacy Project: Tackling Transportation!

Federal Transit Authority
Tackling Transportation:
The purpose of this activity is to get students to map out alternative routes of transportation they could use in their everyday life.



BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

According to George Mason University, 77% of Americans commute to work by driving alone. When commuters drive alone, car emissions, including carbon dioxide, are released into the atmosphere and thus decreasing the quality of health for individuals and the environment. According to the American Public Transportation Association, a person who takes public transportation saves 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons from being released into the atmosphere. Hydrocarbons have been contributed to causing respiratory illness and smog, therefore by taking public transportation a person is being environmentally friendly. According to Nutra Health Environmental Research Inc. driving a car is the most air polluting action the average person does each day. A lot of this pollution can be avoided if individuals found alternatives ways to get around. Such ways could be walking, biking, or taking mass transit, which include buses and subways.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation reduces energy consumption and increases air quality. According to APTA, a person who takes the bus everyday to work in place of driving saves 1,888 gallons of gasoline each year. Taking public transportation keeps individual active member of communities and decreases traffic congestion.93% of welfare recipients rely on public transportation to get to work and to other destinations. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 40% of Americans believe traffic congestion is a serious problem. This has a harmful effect on the environment. By using alternative sources of transportation a person can help save money, save time and save the environment by reducing noise and air pollution and reducing car emissions.

The H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act is a bill proposed to congress to give tax credits to businesses who supply their employees with transit passes in the hopes to promote their employees to take public transportation instead of driving alone to work. At UMD students can ride the bus for free. Therefore, in order to promote taking an alternative route to school and other destinations we will planning routes to locations you frequently go to. If you already take the bus, see if there is a convenient walking or biking route to your destination.

Activity Instructions:

Answer the following questions:

1. Pick three locations that you go to often. (It can be school, work, home, the mall etc.)
2. How do you typically commute to these locations?
   
3. Access Google Transit
4. Map your transit route by plugging in the addresses of each location and which times you would usually leave to go to these places. Choose if you would like to walk, bus, or bike to these locations. (do not choose driving)
   
5. Report the most convenient route to your 3 locations and the modes of transportation.
6. How does this route differ from your typical commute?
7. Are these commutes a realistic change you could put in your schedule? why or why not?
8. Do you plan to try incorporating this routes into your routine?
   

Advocacy Project:: Letter and Fact Sheet

Letter to representative:

December 6, 2010

Representative Jim Oberstar
House of Representatives
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Vote Yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act

The proposed act would give tax credits to businesses that provide employees with transit passes or provide commuter vans for employees in order to promote carpooling. With providing both employees and employers with incentives to take mass transit in order to reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road. This will reduce the amount of both air and noise pollution. As a current health education student from Duluth, Minnesota, I believe the reduction in pollution is extremely important to the health Americans.

The passage of this bill will provide employees with transit passes who otherwise may not consider public transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 18% of an American's income goes towards transportation; transportation is the second largest expenditure of Americans. People who may not see the benefits of public transportation because it costs money will be enticed by free transportation. There are many benefits for people to use public transportation. Primarily it will improve public health. Taking public transportation makes people more active; commuters may have to walk some distance in order to reach a bus stop of their final destination. Those would otherwise be sedentary most of the day are now having exercise in their daily schedule. Public transportation will also decrease air pollution. According the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation prevents the release of 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons per year. The release of hydrocarbons lead to smog and respiratory illness. Finally, with less drivers on the road, the less danger there is. If someone is unfit to drive, whether is be intoxication or distraction, public transportation provides him with a mode of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, distracted drivers cause 284,000 serious motor vehicle accidents each year. Providing tax credits to companies in order for them to provide their employees with transit passes, would provide employees with a safe ride home. With more citizens receiving free transit passes, there will be less traffic which will lead to less pollution and safer roads.

Opponents of this bill may claim it is a waste of money because even though companies may provide transit passes to employees, many employees will continue to drive their personal motor vehicles. When transit passes are offered for free, more are apt to try it. Once employees realize how convenient mass transit is then they are more likely to continue with habit. Also, taking mass transit saves money. Once, employees realize the economical benefits then they will be more inclines to taking mass transit; especially since they are being provided the pass at no cost. Another argument against this bill would be the negative effect it would have on the already struggling car industry. Contrary to theses beliefs, the car industry will not suffer. People will still need cars to drive to places where transit does not run or drive to places after transportation hours. Also, if citizens are saving money of transportation, they will have more expendable cash, therefore stimulating the economy.

Thank you for your time. We appreciate all you have done during your terms of service. As the head of the U.S Department of Transportation, we hope you realize the positive impact the passage of this bill would have on the health and safety of the U.S citizens. We encourage you to vote yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act.

Sarah Zapp


Facts Sheet

The Benefits of Public Transportation

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation provides citizens and communities with ample opportunities.

Mass transits benefits the local community and economy

• A $10 million investment in public transportation has shown to increase buisness in local stores by $30 million.
• According to the Transit Coalition Report: "Dollars & Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America" states that every dollar consumer puts into public transportation provides a $6 return in the local economy.

Public transportation saves employees money.

• It reduces the amount of money spent of transportation and allows this money to spent on other activities such as recreational or school activities.
• The cost of driving, parking and insuring a car can be steep for some families and deprive some families from other opportunities.
• Regular use of public transportation can save the average consumer $800,000 per every $10 million spent per year.

Public transportation improves the health of individuals by keeping them active and engaged within the community.

• Public transportation helps keep senior citizens who want to remain active and apart of the community a mode of transportation.
• 93% of welfare recipients rely on public transportation to get to work and to other destinations.

Public transportation decreases traffic congestion.

• According to the Texas Transportation Association, Americans spent more than 40 hours stuck in traffic.

• According to APTA, 50% of Americans feel traffic congestion is a serious problem.

Public transportation reduces energy consumption and increase air quality.

• According to APTA, a person who takes the bus everyday to work in place of driving saves 1,888 gallons of gasoline each year.
• According to APTA, public transportation reduces fuel consumption by 1.5 million gallons each years.
• According to APTA, buses produce 80% less carbon dioxide emissions than any personal motor vehicle.

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Introduction

• What is the issue/problem?

The amount of driving individuals do lead to air pollution, noise pollution and contribute greenhouse gases to the environment. Over the years the amount of driving has increased in the United States and cars grew bigger and less fuel efficient. Exhaust given off by combustible engines are toxic and contribute to climate change and global warming. Air pollution can effect human health, lead to diseases such as asthma. Global warming which is partly cause by carbon dioxide released from motor vehicles. Global warming is slowly changing fragile eco systems. The amount of oil used in the United States has increased dramatically over the years. A lot of oil is used to produced gas for cars. Oil is a precious resource but unfortunately it is non-renewable and not very clean.

One solution to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is to have people drive less; this will also lower our dependency on oil. Mass transportation is a good alternative to driving individually and this bill offers free transit passes to employees in hopes to promote using cleaner ways of transportation to work.

• What current legislation has been proposed to address this? (Identify bill # and name)

H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act (Introduced into Houes Committees)

Who is affected by the issue?

Mass Transit, employers, employees, gas & oil production, car companies

• Who is affected the most?

employers who receive a tax credit for the companies and employees who are given free transit passes are affected the most.

• Who loses, and what do they lose?

Car companies may lose some business if large amount of people start to take public transportation. If people take mass transit they will not put as much wear and tear on their cars and they may need less repairs or find no need to buy a new one.

Oil and gas production would be affected because if people started taking mass transit there will less demand for gas.

• Who gains, and what do they gain?

Employers receive a tax credit for supplying employees with transit passes or for buying companies vehicles so employees can car pool. Employees are getting a service for free. They do not need to spend money on a car, as much on car maintenance, a transit pass, or gas. They also do not have to deal with the stress of driving in traffic. Mass transit will receive a large influx of business. They would make a lot of money from the large amount of new riders.

What are the consequences of the issue?

• For the individuals mostly affected?

Employees must make changes to their daily routine and schedule, it may take more time to get to work, there is not as much flexibility when taking public transportation. Also, it takes a lot of commitment to make this type of lifestyle change.

• For their families?

For families of employees they may find employees who now take mass transit not making it to commitments on time after work. On the flip side if one person takes mass transit thee family is saving money on gas and a car. They would not need as many family vehicles.

• For society?

There will be a cleaner, healthier environment if there is not as many cars on the roads. There would be not as much air or noise pollution. The roadways would not be congested with traffic. Mass transit would be more crowded and a little uncomfortable to ride if there is a large amount people on the bus or subways. This may discourage some from taking mass transit.

What is the economic impact of the issue?

• What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?

There would be a less demand for cars and car sales may drop hurting an already struggling industry. The money for the tax credit has to come from somewhere..... Not as many individuals would be driving to work which would hurt the oil and gas industry because the demand would go down making the price of gas drop.

• What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?

Tax credits would cover the costs for employers to provide transit passes to employees. The large amount of transit passes purchased would pour money into this industry. Depending on how many receive the tax credit in the area and the amount new riders, transit may need to add more routes, more buses, and create jobs to handle the amount of large riders.

What is the social impact of the issue?

• What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?

Time- Employees may have a longer commute if they decide to take mass transit. They also may not be able to go straight to social events if they have to wait to take a bus home. Taking a bua or subway may not be as time efficient as taking their own car.

Comfort. Taking mass transit may not be as comfortable or private as taking their own car. Mass transit could be seen as dirty.

• What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?

Less traffic. This will lead to less headache for commuters and possibly a quicker commute than if driving own car. Employees would benefit.

Employees may find new opportunities to meet new people while taking mass transit. Could be for networking if other professionals start taking the bus.

What are the barriers?

• What are the barriers to addressing this issue?

Employees may not want to give driving their own car. May think mass transit is not as efficient as driving own car. They may not car about environmental impact and continue to drive individually instead taking advantage of the free transit pass offered by employer.

In order for the transit passes for employees a tax credit needs to provided for employers; therefore money is barrier.

Finally, the amount of public transportation is a barrier. If a growing number a riders there may not be enough resources for all to be accommodated for. Also, some workplaces may not be easily accessible to transportation. It would make it difficult for employees to take mass transit to work. Mass transit may not offer routes outside if regular business hours; making it impossible for some to take the bus or subway to work.

• How can they be overcome?

Money will be provided through a tax credit. The money would come from the Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund. This is already set up and money is regularly being deposited in it. It can be used if the secretary of the fund finds a suitable reason. This bill would fall into this category.

Transit availability can be overcome by adjusting routes and times depending on demand of new riders. With the increased ridership mass transit will have more money making it easier them to add more routes, more buses or subways, and more times in order to accommodate most. This will make commuting easier for employees and making it more attractive to employees if they do not have to wait as long for a bus.

A way to win over employees wary of public transportation is to educate them about the environmental and economical benefits. If they do not care about the environment they will certainly care about their pocket books. Point out gas savings, car saving, and time savings (they would not be stuck in rush hour traffic.)

What are the resources?

• What resources will we need to address this issue?

Money in order to provide transit passes to employees.
Influence will be needed in order for this bill to be passed. Supporters of mass transportation would be needed to explain the importance of this bill.
Awareness of the environmental and health impacts of driving are needed. People must be aware of the issue in order to change their behavior.

• Where and how can they be tapped?

Money will be coming from the Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund
Influence will come from testimony of experts on the effects of driving on the environment. Law makers will need to be aware of the importance of lowering the amounts of pollution in our environment.

What is the history of this issue?

• What is the history of the issue in the community?

In many communities around the country there have been efforts in order to promote using public transportation to commute to work. One example can be found San Fransisco, California. Here, there has been a requirement instated for large corporations to promote, offer reduced or free mass transportation passes.

USCPA, U.S Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement has been created and signed by many mayors who pledge to reduce the amount of pollution that contributes to global warming withing their city. They are doing this by promoting mass transit and urging citixens to give up their SUVS.

• What past efforts were made to address it?

There have been efforts such USCPA, and the federal Commuter Checks Program, which is program designed to encourage alternative forms of transportation. Employees can apply for commuter checks to buy a bicycle to ride to work or a transit pass. These checks are tax free.

• What were the results?

the federal commuter checks program has been quite popular and the USCPA is still working towards their current goal of lowering the emissions with in their town.

Allies & Opponents

• Who would support this issue?

Environmental groups, mass transportation, some employees and corporations who would receive tax credits for supplying employees with transit passes.

• Who would oppose this issue?

Car manufacturers, oil and gas companies, some employees who do not want to take mass transit

• How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts? (What common ground can you share? How can you create a win-win for your allies and your opponents?)

Make it clear to car, oil and gas companies that their business will not suffer completely. People will still need to drive because mass transit can not take a person everywhere. People will still need cars. Also, not every buisness in America will qualify for a tax credit, so a share of their market would not even be phased by the passage of this bill.

If some employees do not want to take public transportation, suggest car pooling with co-workers who live near by. This still allows for less cars to be on the road and allows for the employee to feel like they are in control because they are driving their own car.

My Recommendation

Policy-makers should vote YES on the Green Routes to Work Act. It will help the United States take step towards a healthier environment which would lead to better health of Americans. In the process it may help boost certain areas of the economy, reduce noise and air pollution, and reduce rush hour traffice

Advocacy Project: Healthy People?THOMAS

Objectives:
Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions
and improve the nation's air quality.
This objective monitors how people commute in the following ways:
Trips made by bicycle
Trips made by walking
Trips made by transit
People that telecommute

Emerging Issues:
The amount of air pollutants released from motor vehicles have been greatly reduced. Yet, the amounts can still be further reduced if the amount of miles traveled in motor vehicles are reduced and the type of motor vehicle, such as SUV or mini-vans, that typically produce more emissions, are not used.

Opportunities & Challenges:
EPA targets three major air pollutants which include nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury. The EPA also aim to reduce the amount smog, acid rain, poor visibility, and nitrogen and mercury deposits. The EPA is looking to clean up the air quality by using new and cleaner pollution control strategies. One way to control the output of pollution is by controlling the amount of motor vehicles being used. Therefore, they are promoting using alternate forms of transportation.

H.R. 3271 Green Routes to Work Act (Introduced to House Committees)

Title: To provide tax breaks and incentives for businesses to provide green transportation alternatives such as providing tax free transit passes to employees, giving a tax credit to businesses who provide a commuter van to employees and allow for employees to be reimbursed for bicycles or transit passes used to commute to and from work. This bill also calls for the removal of barriers for cyclist commuters.

Sponsors: Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Latest Major Action: July 21, 2009 referred to House committee

Recommendation: Vote Yes for H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act

My Representatives: Jim Oberstar

Advocacy Project: My political Representatives

I have found my political representatives of my hometown, Duluth, MN, and have listed their information below:

President:

Barack Obama~ Democrat
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington DC, 20500

Congress Representatives:

U.S Senate

Al Franken~ Democrat
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5641

Amy Klobuchar~Democrat
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5641

U.S House

James Oberstar 8th district~Democrat
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-6211

Governor

Tim Pawlenty~ Republican
Office of the Governor
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: (651) 296-3391

Minnesota Senate

Yvonne Prettner-Solon- 7th district~Democrat
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Capitol Building, Room G-9
St. Paul, MN 55155-1606
651.296.4188

Minnesota House of Representatives

Mary Murphy~Democrat
343 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-2676 or 800-890-5428

County Board Representative

Peg Sweeney
5th District Commissioner
Room 208
100 N. 5th Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2450

Mayor

Don Ness
City Hall
411 West First Street
Duluth, MN, 55802

Hello my name is Sarah Zapp and welcome to my blog, Take a Hike!



I am currently a community health education major at UMD. This blog is tied to an Enviromental Health class at UMD. The blog will be about the impact people have on their environment and the impact the environment has on our lives. This blog will also touch on different things that can be done to improve our environment and our quality of life.

There are going to be 6 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

1. Advocacy Project
2. Eye Openers
3. Reflections
4. Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change
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If you notice at the bottom of this post, the categories will be listed as labels. This post has been labeled with all five kinds of posts. You will also see the number of each kind of post in my Labels Gadget at the top of the page. All post titles from now on will begin with one of the categories above.

The members of my web group are

1. Brier@lovinnaturewithbrier
   
2. Kristy@kritysfuninthesunspot
   
3. Jamie@jamiesaysjump
   
4. Ell@ellydreamsgreen
   
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This is gist of what my blog is going to be about, a space to learn and share ideas about our environment and how to improve it. Feel free to add input, it would only enhance the experience. It's going to be a wonderful learning experience!