From the Executive Director's Desk

In Solidarity,
 

 

"Nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey come from the transportation sector. Light-duty automobiles, like a standard family car, remain the dominant source of transportation emissions. But particulate matter from heavy-duty vehicles like diesel trucks for industrial or commercial use and buses for public transportation are a significant source of emissions, and contribute to poor air quality, negatively impacting public health.

In just a few short weeks, Governor Murphy has already taken decisive actions to improve transit in the Garden State. The NJ Transit audit and the recent commitment to bring in new train cars to boost passenger capacity are both wise first steps. However, more must be done to improve transit access, reliability and efficiency, particularly for our bus system, which carries the majority of transit passengers each day."

Read the full opinion-editorial in The Star Ledger by Dan Fatton, Executive Director of WEC and Ray Greaves, State Business Agent and Chairman, NJ State Council American Transportation Union

The Oil Train Safety bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Weinberg, was reintroduced this legislative session. On March 12, S1883 was approved by the NJ Senate Transportation Committee. The bill requires transparency from railroads about what is moving through our communities and requires them to file with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection spill response plans in case of a derailment. It also provides for comprehensive training of emergency responders in every community along a route.

Debra Coyle McFadden, WEC Assistant Director, testified on behalf of WEC about the importance of this bill and the need to guarantee right to know provisions.