The 13 projects chosen represent critical first steps toward building a modern, national, passenger rail infrastructure and are the first significant passenger rail investments in nearly a century. These projects encompass 31 states. They enhance connectivity through a variety of technologies in the most environmentally responsible mode of regional transportation, noted Howard Learner, ELPC president.

“This is the beginning of transformative improvement to our nation’s transportation system, giving people a modern, fast, comfortable and convenient travel option,” stated Learner. This funding will put people to work while it improves our environment, strengthens key regions of our nation and enhances our ability to compete in the global economy.“

ELPC will host a National Press Club press briefing Monday, February 1, in Washington, D.C. to review the expected impact of the high speed rail investments. Panelists include Arthur Guzzetti, American Public Transportation Association, John Risch, United Transportation Union, and Thomas Simpson, Railway Supply Institute. The panel will be moderated by Howard Learner.

Currently, the Obama Administration’s total commitment to high-speed rail stands at $10.5 billion, with an additional $1 billion per year pledged to be included in the budget for the next five years. The House transportation committee has also recommended including $50 billion for high-speed rail development in the upcoming transportation reauthorization.

“Today’s awards are only the first step in a long-term process. Significant additional federal funding will be required if we are to truly realize the benefits of modern rail and compete in the global market,” Learner concluded.

To learn more about the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s high-speed rail advocacy, visit elpc.org/highspeedrail

The letter also points out that:

• Our nation is spending $1 billion a day on energy from foreign countries, threatening our national security and our economy.
• Other nation’s are moving faster than the U.S. to profit from the clean energy economy.
• The clean energy and climate challenge is America’s new space race –and meeting that challenge can place our country at the forefront of innovation and prosperity.

Read the letter here

The scientists want Wisconsin’s Senators to support federal policies for rapid and deep reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases at least on par with the reductions recommended by the intergovernmental panel on climate change.

Wisconsin has much at stake as the US Senate debates federal climate legislation and the international community works toward an agreement in Copenhagen. The 113 Wisconsin scientists who have joined together to write this letter, along with the scientific community around the world, are urging their leaders to act swiftly to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and avoid the worst effects of climate change.

The full letter and list of signatories is available here
The Green Bay Press Gazette also ran the letter as an op-ed.

“We now call for the EPA to implement strong and fair standards that will reduce global warming pollution if Congress does not step up with legislation.  Implementing effective global warming solutions, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy development and high-speed rail development can create job growth, spur economic development, and help to solve our global warming problems.”

- Statement from Howard Learner, Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner discussed the Midwest role in the climate debate on E&E TV’s On Point.  The Midwest has the potential to be a big part of the solution and through its key swing votes, is playing a critical role in the Senate debate.  Watch the interview here.

ELPC hosted a special webinar on November 18th highlighting the potential for a solar power boom in the Midwest. Featured speakers included ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner, Staff Attorney Brad Klein and Policy Advocate Madeleine Weil. Listen to the webinar or download PDF slides.

ELPC is teaming up with the Illinois Student Environmental Coalition to help mobilize student environmental groups from college campuses across the state. Each group has committed to collecting signatures from 5% of their student body in support of strong federal climate legislation.

This will result in thousands of youth voices calling on U.S. leaders to pass comprehensive climate change legislation and commit our nation to a true position of leadership in the fight against global warming.

Add your voice – call for America to take action on climate change today!

Since ELPC published the first edition of the Community Wind Financing Guide in 2004, wind power has become the United States’ fastest-growing source of electricity. Community wind projects, which represent a small but growing share of the wind market, are largely owned by farmers and other local investors with a significant economic stake in the project. Such local ownership generates powerful economic and social benefits for rural areas.

The updated Handbook provides the latest information on financing community wind projects, including ownership structures, roles of financial intermediaries, sources of federal and state financial support and consultant/developer directories. Although building these projects has become somewhat easier over time, understanding and accessing financing opportunities remains perhaps the most important requirement for a successful project.  Download the Community Wind Financing Handbook.[pdf file]