Drafter
Clerk 04/26/2016
Title
A MOTION requesting Metro Transit transmit a feasibility report for achieving a carbon-neutral or zero-emission fleet.
Body
WHEREAS, public transportation is a crucial link to ensuring opportunity for all, providing affordable and safe connections to jobs, schools, housing, health care and grocery stores. Having adequate and robust public transportation has an enormous impact on our economy, our climate and our health. We must invest in public transportation in a manner that builds a county where all people can participate and prosper, and
WHEREAS, this motion has its foundation in the King County Strategic Plan. One of the eight goals of the Strategic Plan is to "promote opportunities for all communities and individuals to realize their full potential." The first objective listed toward achieving that goal is to "increase the number of healthy years that residents live." The second objective listed toward achieving that goal is to "protect the health of communities." The Strategic Plan also includes strategies to ensure the safety of food, air and water strategies to monitor and improve the environmental quality and reduce exposure to hazardous materials, and
WHEREAS, data from the National Equity Atlas shows that air pollution disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income communities in Washington, and
WHEREAS, even the cleanest hybrid diesel bus emits two kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions per mile and contributes particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants that have been linked to increased cases of asthma and lung disease, and
WHEREAS, transportation is the region's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions, and
WHEREAS, King County plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as public transportation options directly and indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
WHERE...

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