Big Pollutors Don't Deserve a Pass

Don't Give Big Pollutors a Pass

The Clean Trucks Program at the Port of Los Angeles, which began on October 1, 2008 is one of the most innovative and sweeping models for clean air, alternative-fuel technologies, and good jobs in our nation. But Bush-appointees at the Federal Maritime Commission continue to block key elements of the Clean Trucks Program, stalling efforts to dramatically clean up the air for millions of residents and set a precedent for ports around the U.S. and world. Please tell your Congressional representatives to take a stand for public health, a green economy, and the environment by telling the Federal Maritime Commission to leave the Clean Trucks Program alone.

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Dear (recipient name),

Dear Representative,

As your constituent I am asking you to step in against the Federal Maritime Commission’s efforts to block the Clean Trucks Programs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Bush appointees will continue to protect industry wealth at the cost of our communities’ health and the well-being of workers and their families. The FMC’s decision to halt the Clean Trucks Program is the latest move on behalf of an industry that is bent on opposing a ground-breaking clean air and good jobs program.  
   
The health and well-being of thousands of residents and workers in ports across the nation depend on the successful implementation of a comprehensive and forward thinking program at the nation’s leading ports. The Clean Trucks Program in Los Angeles is a landmark green-growth project that will clean the air, fight global warming improve security, deliver economic prosperity, and provide a green-growth model for ports across the nation.  It will reduce truck diesel emissions by 80% and encourage the use of cleaner alternative-fuel technology and turn poverty-level jobs into middle class jobs.  By moving to an employee-based system it will not only improve conditions for drivers that are misclassified as independent-contractors, it will ensure that trucking companies will be responsible for owning and maintaining a cleaner fleet of trucks over the long-term without relying on future public subsidies.

The FMC’s actions are consistent with other Bush Administration agencies, who were out of touch with communities and workers impacted by pollution and poverty.  In fact, the FMC’s action actually goes beyond the authority granted the FMC by statute.  Fortunately, not everyone in Washington is ready to sacrifice the future of green growth and good jobs in our nation. President Obama came out in support of the Clean Trucks Program emphasizing that Americans are anxious about increased trade, its relationship to middle class jobs and its impact on the environment.  The FMC should reflect the Obama agenda, not the agenda of the previous administration.

As my voice in Congress, I urge you to immediately contact the FMC and voice your objections to their actions blocking the Clean Trucks Program, call for hearings to review the FMC’s recent actions and make it a top priority to appoint an FMC Chair that shares the President’s commitment to a program that is both environmentally sound and supportive of economic growth and good jobs with accountable for middle class living standards.

Lives are at stake. I am counting on you to protect the Port of Los Angeles Clean Trucks Program.

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