Charlottesville, VA: During her time in Congress, Thelma Drake has opposed policies to save Virginians money on gasoline, reduce traffic, and reduce air pollution according to an analysis released by Environment Virginia today.
“For decades, Big Oil, the automakers, the highway lobby and other powerful interests have held sway over transportation policy in Washington, D.C. Now, America’s drivers and our environment are paying the price,” said Ivan Frishberg for Environment Virginia. “Representative Thelma Drake has consistently sided with Big Oil and other powerful interests on issue after issue important to Virginia drivers.”
In their online publication discussing how outdated transportation policy in Washington, DC keeps Virginia hooked on oil and stuck in traffic, Environment Virginia documented that the representative has been a consistent no vote on transportation issues. Specifically, Representative Drake:
- Opposed higher fuel economy standards for cars that will save Virginians $726 million a year at the pump, cut oil consumption in Virginia by 242 million gallons a year by 2020, and reduce global warming pollution by 2.4 million metric tons.
- Opposed incentives for plug-in hybrid cars that can get up to 100 mpg. If run on clean electricity, plug-in hybrids can reduce air pollution that puts the health of 4.4 million Virginia residents at risk.
- Voted against common sense legislation that would curb the excessive speculation in the energy market that is contributing to inflation of oil prices.
- Took $28,500 in campaign contributions from the oil industry during the 2007-2008 Congress.
Environment Virginia’s report pointed out that Virginia faces big transportation challenges, including congestion, pollution, and the high cost of gas. The group advocates for meeting those challenges by using existing technology to make cars and trucks that use less gas and produce less pollution, relieving pressure on overcrowded roads by providing transportation choices such as modern public transit to more Americans, and taking advantage of clean, alternative sources of energy.
“We don’t know how Representative Drake gets to and from Washington, but the rest of us are stuck in traffic that she’s done nothing to reduce. By electing Glenn Nye, Virginia, drivers can ensure that they have a champion in Congress who will stand up to the auto industry, Big Oil and other powerful interests and work for real solutions to safeguard drivers’ pocketbooks, clean up our air, and keep Virginia moving,” Frishberg concluded.
The complete report can be found at: http://www.environmentvirginia.org/reports/election-2008-resources/election-2008-reports/thelma-drake-bad-for-drivers
For more information, contact: Ivan Frishberg or Jen Mueller, (202) 683-1250
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Paid for by Environment Virginia at www.EnvironmentVirginia.org
and Environment America at www.EnvironmentAmerica.org.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
