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Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has the opportunity to let the Senate breathe new life into Amtrak. But he is dragging his heels.
Amtrak is more energy efficient and emits less global warming pollution than most travel by auto or airplane. We need smart, sustainable transportation, like Amtrak and other forms of transit to help us break our "addiction to oil."
Friends of the Earth is working with allied Senators to pass a bipartisan bill that will give Amtrak the funding and tools that it needs to serve more areas and improve its current service.
But Senator Frist has not scheduled a vote on this important legislation.
Email your Senators today!
Urge them to ask Bill Frist to let the Senate vote on Amtrak.
>>As we work toward a clean, renewable energy future, we need to promote the most energy efficient transportation options. Passenger rail like Amtrak is one of our most energy efficient travel options. It also produces far less global warming pollution per passenger mile than auto or airplane travel.
Click here to view our factsheet on Amtrak, Energy and the Environment.
We should be investing in efficient passenger rail to bring better, more reliable service to more people across the country. But instead, last year the Bush administration proposed eliminating Amtrak funding entirely. The president also signed a Transportation Bill giving roads and highways the vast majority of transportation funding.
Though Friends of the Earth helped successfully defend Amtrak funding this year, we are working to make sure our national rail systam does not need to beg for funding year in and year out. According to the Department of Transportation Inspector General, Amtrak needs $1.6 to $2 billion per year to reach its full potential. Even the Bush-appointed Amtrak board has said that $1.6 to $1.8 billion per year is needed for Amtrak.
Click here to view our factsheet on Amtrak's 2007 budget.
Over the last several months, Friends of the Earth has worked with both Republicans and Democrats to soundly defeat a series of anti-Amtrak amendments in the House of Representatives, and instead pass and adequate budget for 2006.
Now we are working to use that momentum to pass major Amtrak revitalization legislation that will give the railroad the tools it needs to improve current service and begin expanding. Help us pass this bill by contacting your Senator today!
