Objective: Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions and improve the Nation’s air quality.
What is the issue/problem?
-Lack of alternative modes of transportation to reduce polluting emissions
What current legislation has been proposed to address this?
-H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act (introduced in House)
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE?
Who is affected the most?
-People that live in close proximity cities, where vehicle emissions are in high concentration
Who loses, and what do they lose?
-Those that live in cities with a large amount of vehicles. They lose their right to clean air, and are at higher risk of health issues.
Who wins, and what do they win?
-The vehicle distributions and gas stations. They continue to make money off of buyers, regardless of the efforts to reduce pollution.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ISSUE?
For the individuals most affected?
-premature death, cancer and long term damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems
For their families?
-Premature deaths, high healthcare costs/medical bills
For society?
-increased taxes on medical care
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Money is needed to fund transit systems, and to create suitable biking and walking trails. Taxes would probably increase for everyone
What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Cleaner air, less medical costs. Everyone would benefit from this, especially the people in bigger cities.
WHAT IS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Not as convenient to regular vehicle-drivers. May be difficult to obtain for those who do not live near destination or transit location
What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Physical exercise, a new means of meeting people, less money spent on gasoline. The people that decide to use the alternative transportation benefit.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS?
What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
-Money to spend on transit systems and trails, motivation.
How can they be overcome?
-Advertisement, promotion. If the bill passed, taxes would allow money to be spent on alternatives
WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES?
What resources will we need to address this issue?
-safe biking/walking paths, convenient and available transit locations, billboards/media to advertise.
Where and how can they be tapped?
-Taxes, local construction crews, multiple locations to access transit. Word can be spread by famous/well-known people that support the new bill
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE?
What is the history of the issue in the community?
-It has been a long-time search to find alternative forms of transportation. We knew that our oil supply would not last forever, so other resources must be used.
What past efforts were made to address it?
-They have come up with hybrid and electric cars. City busses were expanded into the public, exercise was further promoted
What were the results?
-Some of the alternative vehicles too expensive, so didn't really catch on much. According to Health People 2010, transit has been moving AWAY from the target goal, so the bus does not have a large impact. Convenience is what stops a lot of people from making change.
ALLIES & OPPONENTS
Who would support this issue?
-environmental activists, people that want to reduce pollution levels, people that have/know someone that has been affected by emission levels of vehicles
Who would oppose this issue?
-those that do not want taxes raised, those that don't realize/care about the effects of emission of hazardous toxins
How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts?
-Make taxes inexpensive and make sure transit centers are located conveniently
YOUR RECOMMENDATION
How do you want policy-makers to vote on this proposed policy?
Vote YES for on this bill
(http://www.healthypeople.gov/document/html/volume1/08environmental.htm#_Toc490564700)
About Me
- Elly@Elly Dreams Green
- I am a Junior at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I love love LOVE the crisp smell that Fall brings, but also need the vitamin D that summer brings. I thoroughly enjoy photography and watching movies. To anyone that likes the outdoors, I'm sure we will get along quite well-- I dig fresh air :) I have a cat named Kozmo, who is quite crazy, and If it were more convenient at this time in my life, i'd have a dog as well. As you might conclude, I am an animal junky.
I agree with you I think a "yes" is needed on this bill! Nobody ever actually wants tax increases but I think that without them change will NEVER occur the way we need it to. We need new technology and new means of transportation and access to these means which involves increased funds.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important issue, we are all polluting the air. Each of us as taxpayers should agree to sacrifice a little to change this issue a lot. Those who are against the bill obviously aren't thinking about the big picture and concentrating more on their pocketbooks.
ReplyDeleteI did this same policy and I came up with a lot of the same ideas when answering the questions. I think one of the main issues is to convince employees who typically drive to work to take alternative modes such as the bus. They may think it is to inconvenient.
ReplyDeleteI feel like people living in these urban areas have to feel the effects of the pollution. It would be silly for them to not have their congressmen and women vote yes; they may have to pay more in taxes but they could increase their health dramatically!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea to have billboards to advertise, I feel that is a simple way to get people's attention as they are on their way to work.
ReplyDeleteIt is important that people understand that air pollution is important to being a healthy nation. Fundings into transits also do need to be supported. I think it is the same with light rails also. As for those who don't live in areas where transits or available public transportation, the state should find ways to make those neighborhoods have available transit places too. Tax payers will have to contribute and it should be considered giving to better the economy.
ReplyDeleteAnybody who votes "no" to this type of thing is selfish in my opinion. This is our air that we breath and our health depends on it.
ReplyDelete