More importantly, they are the first installment in a major effort to transform and revitalize our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

High-speed rail will create a modern, fast, comfortable and convenient travel option that reduces pollution, counteracts sprawl and brings people into the hearts of America’s cities. As ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner told the Christian Science Monitor “It’s a very important beginning…a giant step forward in the transformation of our nation’s transportation system.”

ELPC has worked to promote high speed rail since the organization began 15 years ago. Howard Learner joined Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Federal Railroad Administrator Joe Szabo and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley at a press conference celebrating Illinois’ rail funding. You can listen to the press conference at Chicago Public Radio’s website.

Read ELPC’s statement about funding for high-speed rail

Read Coverage in the Kansas City Star and Crain’s Cleveland

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

Rebuttal: Global warming science remains solid

Daniel Howes’ recent column (“Obama uses fear to push climate goals,”
Dec. 8) on global warming is way off the mark. Global warming science remains solid, and the urgency of the problem demands swift action.

The controversy over scientists’ stolen e-mails doesn’t change the fact that nearly 2,500 scientists in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and 18 U.S. scientific institutions have concluded that human-caused climate change is occurring and significantly impacting on our environment.

In Michigan, more than 150 scientists signed a letter urging our legislators to protect people and the planet from the worst of climate change by limiting global warming emissions. The science is clear and the evidence continues to mount: 2000 to 2009 has been the warmest decade on record. Despite a cool year in the Midwest, 2009 is projected to be the fifth hottest on record. Polar ice is at its lowest ever recorded levels.

The sense of urgency from the Obama administration is not to pull the wool over our eyes but is an acknowledgment of the problem’s scope and an effort to make up for lost time. In the 50 years since scientists first recognized the potential of human activity to warm the Earth, evidence of the perils of unchecked emissions has grown dramatically stronger. Policymakers, however, have been slow to respond. Federal legislation and an international agreement to reduce global warming emissions have been a very long time coming.

The good news is that we can solve this crisis, and Michigan can lead the way. Our state stands to benefit from manufacturing the high-speed rail cars, advanced batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines that will help us transition to a low-carbon economy. We need near-term action to get there, not “head in the sand” partisan obstinacy.

Alvin M. Saperstein , Professor of physics, Wayne State University, Detroit

J. David Allan , Professor of natural resources and environment, University of Michigan

Knute Nadelhoffer , Professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

“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 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.

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]

Midwestern states collaborated to apply for funding for the Midwest High-Speed Rail Network. The coordination among the Midwest states and the years of work by ELPC and other groups puts the Midwest in an excellent position to compete for high-speed rail funding.

We agree with the USDA’s recent study showing that actions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution can produce long-term gains for farmers. It’s time for strong energy and climate legislation that will boost farm income and reduce the risk of global warming.

The costs of inaction are high—farmers and agricultural industries are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and pests that will result from unchecked climate change. Federal climate solutions and clean energy legislation can help farmers and foresters tap into growing markets in carbon offsets, renewable energy generation, advanced biofuels and energy efficiency savings.

The USDA study, among others, shows that minimal short-term costs to farmers will soon be outpaced by significant long-term gains in income, job creation, and other rural development opportunities.

With a strong climate bill, including new investments in farm-based energy and conservation, the agricultural community can help lead efforts to protect and improve our health and environment while fueling our clean energy economy.

ELPC has worked with citizen groups to oppose the new plants because they would be unnecessary, expensive and would create huge amounts of pollution that contributes to global warming and threatens human health.

 As ELPC Senior Attorney Faith Bugel told the Detroit News, “This report shows that clean energy can power Michigan’s future. Moving away from outdated coal power will build our economy and protect our environment.”

Last year, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm ordered the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to examine whether the state’s energy needs could be met by renewable sources and energy efficiency before granting Clean Air Act permits for any new coal plants. A final decision on whether to grant Clean Air Act permits to Wolverine and Consumers Energy rests with the state Department of Environmental Quality, which promises a ruling by the end of this year.

Read Coverage in the Detroit News