Charlottesville, VA: During his time in Congress, Virgil Goode 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 Virgil Goode 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In their online publication discussing how outdated transportation policy in Washington DC keeps Virginia hooked on oil and stuck in traffic, Environment Virginia documented that the representative has been a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 Goode:
- Opposed increases in 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 investments in transportation alternatives such as public transit, which already reduces congestion by 541 million hours and saves nearly 340 million gallons of gasoline each year nationwide.
- 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.
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.
“Virginia needs a leader who will work for real solutions to safeguard drivers’ pocketbooks, clean up our air, and keep Virginia moving. By electing Tom Perriello, Virginia drivers can ensure that they have a champion fighting for their interests in Congress,” concluded Frishberg.
The complete report can be found at: http://www.environmentvirginia.org/reports/election-2008-resources/election-2008-reports/virgil-goode-bad-for-drivers
For more information contact: Ivan Frishberg or Jen Mueller, (202) 683-1250.
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