LTD Joins State Leaders and Advocates to Support Clean Infrastructure Investments

Springfield, Ore.—(July 30, 2021)—Lane Transit District’s (LTD) Springfield Station and one of the District’s 11 electric buses provided the back drop for Oregon Department of Energy Director Janine Benner and environmental and transportation advocates urging the Oregon’s elected leaders in Washington, D.C. to support federal investments in clean transportation infrastructure. The press conference was hosted by Environment Oregon as part of a series of grassroots events coordinated by the Climate Action Campaign.

As the Biden administration and Congress consider broad infrastructure proposals and investments in clean transportation, speakers thanked U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04) for his climate leadership and urged him to continue supporting clean energy growth and the expansion of the market for clean vehicles and buses, in order to improve public health and create economic opportunity for all Oregonians. 

“The State of Oregon prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and policy innovation,” said Janine Benner, Director of the Oregon Department of Energy. “Transitioning to clean transit is a priority for us, which is why we need strong support in the federal infrastructure effort for zero-emissions vehicles and clean vehicle infrastructure.”

Fossil fueled modes of transportation creates the largest source of climate-harming carbon pollution in the U.S. that contributes to climate change, which makes extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and wildfires more frequent and intense.

“We know in Oregon and nationwide carbon pollution from traditional vehicles are one of the biggest sources of carbon driving climate change,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, State Director, Environment Oregon. “Transforming our transportation system and moving to clean transit buses is a huge step in the right direction, so we need President Biden and Congress to pass an infrastructure package that is big and bold on climate.”

“Transforming our transportation system and moving to clean transit buses is a huge step in the right direction, so we need President Biden and Congress to pass an infrastructure package that is big and bold on climate.” 

Investments in clean transportation including electric buses and vehicles are essential to meeting our nation’s climate goals, reducing air pollution, improving public health, achieving environmental justice, and spurring the economy. Lane Transit District (LTD) currently has 11 electric buses in service. Meaningful federal investments can spur the advancement of such programs, leading to cleaner air, reduced fuel costs, and more family-sustaining jobs for our communities. 

Aurora “AJ” Jackson, General Manager of Lane Transit District, said, “Our early efforts have shown that electric buses are a viable and sensible form of public transportation for cities, and it’s about time we see the expansion of zero-emission service in cities across Oregon and the United States. This is achievable, but it requires robust support from the federal government for environmental initiatives.”

Recent polling found that these investments are popular in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. Seventy-six percent of voters in the 4th Congressional District support investments to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize public transportation to ensure it is cleaner and able to serve more people. Fifty-seven percent also support investments in electric vehicles and charging stations to reduce pollution and help more Americans buy clean cars.

LTD Board Member Don Nordin attended the July 29 news conference with Jackson and District leadership.
On July 14, 2021, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congressman DeFazio stopped at Lane Transit District’s (LTD) Glenwood Offices in Springfield to talk about transportation safety, climate, and infrastructure, as well as to build awareness about a transit infrastructure bill, the INVEST in America Act, that passed with bi-partisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate.

Congressman DeFazio is Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is the author of the INVEST in America Act. 

During their meeting at LTD, the Secretary and the Congressman toured LTD’s electric buses and then were joined by LTD General Manager Aurora Jackson, Springfield Mayor Sean Van Gordon and Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis to participate in a news conference attended by members of the local, regional and national media. LTD Board of Directors President Caitlin Vargas was among the few community dignitaries invited to attend the event. 

For a video of the July 29th press conference, click here.