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.

On June 26, the House passed H.R. 6052 by a 322-98 vote (House roll call vote 467). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.