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Sustainable Transportation

The transportation network is the lifeblood to our communities. Our roads, rails, paths, and sidewalks connect our homes to our work, shops, schools, and playgrounds.  Our transportation infrastructure brings food from farms to nourish people’s health and allows people to nourish their souls by visiting wild and open spaces.

Unfortunately our current transportation network is sickening our world and us. Transportation emits 35% of Oregon’s global warming pollution. Auto-dependency costs households more than $10,000 per year than a public transit lifestyle. And the auto-centric infrastructure locks away safe and convenient biking and walking as an alternative commuting option for most Americans. As a result, we are hotter, poorer, and unhealthier.

We have the resources and tools to change. By shifting to balanced transportation funding and planning to reduce global warming pollution, together we will retake our streets for the 21st Century.

Campaigns

Building Livable Communities

Oregonians needs cities and neighborhoods where kids can safely walk to schools and playgrounds, the elderly have transportation options, and workers have inexpensive commutes.  Solving the one-third of global warming pollution that Oregon's transportation sector contributes will be a big part of how we can build great communities to live, work, and play. Learn more.

Rethink the CRC Mega-Bridge

The Columbia Crossing Project, which would tear down the existing 6-lane bridge and replace it with a 12-lane bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver, is estimated to cost $4.2 billion.  Not only would bridge expansion induce more single-occupancy travel, sprawl, and global warming pollution, it would mis-allocate transportation funding that could go for wiser projects. Learn more.

Clean Cars, Cool Fuels

Personal vehicles have become an essential part of life for most Americans. To reduce global warming pollution from the transportation sector, we need more fuel efficient vehicles, more aerodynamic cars and trucks, and less carbon-intense fuels. Learn more.

Investing in 21st Century Transportation for America (external link)

The biggest hinderence to building a sustainable transportation system is how we choose and fund our transportation projects.  Environment Oregon is working with a national coalition to to pass the upcoming reauthorization of the federal transportation bill with better greater flexibility and planning geared toward walkable and bikable, transit-oriented communities. Learn more (external link).

Coalition Partners

Transportation for Oregon's Future

  • 1000 Friends of Oregon
  • Environment Oregon
  • Oregon Environmental Council
  • And more than 50 other partners & supporters

Transportation For America

  • AARP
  • Amalgamated Transit Union
  • American Public Transportation Association
  • Apollo Alliance
  • Environment America
  • League of Conservation Voters
  • Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Smart Growth America
  • U.S. Green Building Council
  • U.S. High Speed Rail
  • U.S. Public Interest Research Group
  • And hundreds of other partners