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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today at a full committee hearing on Climate Change Impacts on the Transportation Sector.
“This Committee, with its diverse jurisdiction, has a history of rising to meet climate change challenges by advancing, in a bipartisan manner, legislation that will make a difference in the fight against global climate change. Legislation passed by this Committee will result in a meaningful reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by increasing fuel efficiency standards for American’s cars.
“In addition, the actions of this Committee have strengthened climate change research programs, addressed ocean acidification, and ensured that adequate information and data are available to help lawmakers, regulators, and planners, among others, make informed decisions and adapt to changing climate conditions.
“Today’s hearing regarding climate change impacts on the transportation sector is a continuation of the Commerce Committee’s work to examine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and to determine what role the federal government should play in encouraging these efforts.
“The transportation sector is a major indicator of the overall economic health of our nation. Given that fact, it is important to recognize that climate affects the design, construction, safety, and operations and maintenance of transportation infrastructure and systems.
“For example, as we will hear today, predicted increases in precipitation and frequency of storms will impact our transportation systems. Recent flooding in the Midwest resulted in submerged highways and railroad bridges and significant diversion of freight traffic. In addition, severe storms have caused major airport delays around the country.
“While there is a need for the transportation sector to adapt to the environmental changes brought on by global climate change, it is also widely recognized that the transportation sector has contributed to the causes of climate change.
“Transportation sources account for approximately one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation emissions are among the fastest rising of all emitting sectors, due to increased consumption of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the transportation sector will increase 26 percent by the year 2020.”
“Today’s hearing will examine climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts in the transportation sector, including the surface transportation, maritime, and aviation industries. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about how the transportation sector can adapt to the impacts of climate change, increase fuel efficiency, and otherwise reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
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