October 3, 2007

As a Senate subcommittee drafts cap-and-trade legislation to address the climate change crisis, a group of their Senate colleagues from outside of the Environment and Public Works Committee are urging that the legislation include a number of provisions to help ensure that the goal of significant emissions reductions is achieved (http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/100207lettertoSenatorsonglobalwarming.pdf). Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), along with Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), John Kerry (D-MA), Russell Feingold (D-WI), Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) have written to Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee that is working on the bill, to outline their hopes for stringent emissions reduction goals and an emphasis on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.

September 25, 2007

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) secured $45 million in authorized spending for Connecticut water resource projects within The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 Conference Report, a bill that the Senate passed last night.  The legislation gives the Army Corps of Engineers authority to undertake essential water resource studies and to construct and modify water resource projects that will help Connecticut communities ensure the safety and cleanliness of their water supplies, restore marine habitats, and improve navigation in working harbors.  The conference report was passed by the House of Representatives last month and will now be sent to the President’s desk for his signature. 

September 18, 2007

In response to today’s findings by the Texas Transportation Institute that traffic congestion continues to worsen in cities across America, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) again stressed the need for their bipartisan legislation to revitalize, repair, and replace America’s aging and crumbling roads, bridges, transit systems, water treatment facilities, and public housing properties. 

August 1, 2007

Responding to a looming crisis that jeopardizes the prosperity and quality of life of all Americans,  Senators Chris Dodd, D-Conn., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., today introduced a measure to revitalize, repair, and replace America’s aging and crumbling roads, bridges, transit systems, and water treatment facilities.  Two dramatic headlines in recent weeks have highlighted the escalating problem.  Two weeks ago, an 83-year-old steam pipe burst in midtown Manhattan, releasing asbestos laden particles and causing widespread damage.  Media reports have also recently questioned whether contaminated drinking water near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, may have exposed families in the area to high levels of dangerous chemicals.

June 19, 2007

“Strengthening America’s energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and addressing the threat of global climate change will require transforming our transportation sector.  Promoting a new generation of fuel-efficient vehicles is critical to this effort.  Toward that end, I wrote last week to Chairman Baucus requesting that the Senate Finance Committee extend the alternative motor vehicle tax credits.  That is why I am pleased that the Finance Committee acted today to support additional tax credits for fuel-efficient alternative motor vehicles and plug-in hybrids.  I commend Chairman Baucus and the other members of the Committee for recognizing the importance of encouraging manufacturers to continue investing in innovative technologies, and for enabling Americans to make cleaner, greener choices that advance our nation’s economic, energy, and environmental interests.  I am hopeful these important alternative vehicle tax incentives will be retained throughout the legislative process, and ultimately enacted into law.  I will continue to press to ensure that result.”

June 12, 2007

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) sent a letter today to Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Charles Grassley (R-IA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, urging the Committee to include an extension of the alternative motor vehicle tax credits when the Committee marks up the energy tax bill that the Senate is expected to consider next week.  The tax credits will provide an incentive to consumers who purchase fuel cell, advanced lean burn, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicles. Senator Dodd has been an outspoken advocate for higher fuel economy and reduction of the use of foreign oil.

July 14, 2006

WASHINGTON. – Connecticut is posed to receive more than $17 million to strengthen law enforcement initiatives, protect the environment, help small businesses, and improve educational and research programs under legislation that was given final approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) announced today.

May 24, 2006
WASHINGTON - The City of Bridgeport received a $5,363,474 grant from the Federal Transit Administration for the construction of a bus terminal at the Bridgeport Intermodal Center, Senators Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman announced today. The Bridgeport Intermodal Center brings public rail, ferry and bus facilities under one roof. The project will help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and cut commute times for Bridgeport residents.

November 18, 2005
WASHINGTON - The Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Conference Committee today approved a measure that, thanks in part to the efforts of Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, will provide funding to help improve surface transportation, rail transit and promote affordable housing and community development in Connecticut and across the country. Dodd and Lieberman worked with their Senate and House colleagues to ensure that funds for a number of Connecticut projects remained in the bill providing more than $55 million in new federal funds for transportation and housing initiatives statewide.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Center for Transportation Solutions Act of 2004.

I am deeply troubled that the Federal Government is not doing enough to address important national and regional transportation issues from a systemic perspective. There is too little research being devoted to profound questions that have a long-term impact on the future viability of our nation's transportation network. Such questions may include: How well is our transportation system responding to the global economy? How can transportation meet the needs of greater environmental sustainability? How can people become more involved in transportation planning in their communities? What transportation technologies will be important in the future? Are there more effective ways to finance improvements to our transportation infrastructure? What will be the demand for various modes of transportation in the future? How well do the various modes of transportation interact? Is there a better way to reduce transportation accidents and enhance safety?