Transportation Planning In Federal Climate Legislation

Mike McKeever, director of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, a six-county metropolitan planning organization known for its comprehensive 'blueprint' project that some say became the foundation for California's landmark SB 375 law that requires MPOs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, testified in DC on behalf of the Kerry-Boxer climate bill, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733).

"As Chairwoman of the environment committee, Boxer incorporated some of what Sacramento has done in her federal climate bill."

BOXER: "They're real leaders in transportation planning and combining this with land use. Sensible, common sense ideas that have gone a long way to shape our planning efforts in California."

The climate bill calls for regional leaders to set out plans to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. They then forward that on to Washington for approval and eventually some funding. Like Sacramento efforts, federal officials are encouraging more bike paths and walk-able communities.

McKEEVER: "I think that the bill, the transportation planning portions of the bill, will help our region to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves."