Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008

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The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 (H.R. 6052) was a bill in the 110th Congress "to promote increased public transportation use, to promote increased use of alternative fuels in providing public transportation, and for other purposes." (Official title.)[1]

Contents

Current status


To promote increased public transportation use, to promote increased use of alternative fuels in providing public transportation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: James OberstarCommittees: House Transportation and Infrastructure, House Oversight and Government Reform, Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, House Transportation and Infrastructure - Highways, Transit and Pipelines


Bill summary

  • Authorizes appropriations for each of FY2008-FY2009 for public transportation formula grants for urbanized areas and for other areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants for:[2]
  1. operating costs of equipment and facilities being used to provide the public transportation that the grant recipient is no longer able to pay as a result of reducing fares; and[2]
  • Requires a grant for FY2008-FY2009 that involves acquiring clean fuel or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities for the purposes of complying with the Clean Air Act to be for 100% of the net project cost of the equipment or facilities unless the grant recipient requests a lower percentage.[2]
  • Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to require:[2]
  1. qualified federal agency employees serving in urbanized areas of the United States that are served by fixed route public transportation to be offered transit pass transportation fringe benefits; and[2]
  2. the Secretary to issue guidance on nationwide implementation of a transportation fringe benefit program.[2]
  • Requires the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out vanpool demonstration projects in not more than three urbanized areas and not more than two other areas.[2]

Key votes

House

House Record Vote (467)
June 26, 2008
On Passage: H R 6052 Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act
On Passage
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 74% - Passed
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 1/2 (50%)
322
Ayes
98
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes230910
Nays0980
Abst.4100

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: League of Conservation Voters 2008 House Scorecard

Org. position: Aye

Description:

""Public transportation provides an energy-efficient travel choice that helps reduce the number of cars on the road. Public transportation use can reduce air pollution linked to significant public health impacts such as respiratory disease and cancer, as well as reduce global warming pollution. During a rapid increase in gasoline prices in the spring and summer, public transportation ridership hit record highs nationwide. At the same time, high diesel and electricity prices forced many transit agencies to consider cutting services or increasing fares. As a result, the House of Representatives took up H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008. H.R. 6052 would help meet the growing demand for affordable, convenient public transportation in cities across America by providing grants to local transit agencies to expand and improve service. This legislation would also prevent service cuts or fare increases and offer fringe transit benefits to federal employees nationwide.""

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf)

Interest Group

William W. Millar, President of American Public Transportation Association, addressed Chairman Oberstar in support of this Act.

Articles and resources

See also

References

  1. Project Vote Smart's info page on Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 (H.R.6052).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 OpenCongress H6052
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