You've probably heard about the Volkswagen scandal: the automaker intentionally cheated emissions standards on millions of dirty diesel cars and trucks. But did you know that VW's cloud of stinky diesel fumes could have a sweet-smelling silver lining for DC commuters?
As part of VW's national settlement, the company will pay $2.7 billion to states and territories for clean transportation programs, including $7.5 million to DC. This windfall strikes at a perfect time, because it can super-charge efforts to renew the aging DC Circulator bus fleet with zero-emission electric buses.
The VW settlement money can super-charge the Circulator's switch from dirty diesel to all-electric Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) buses. BEV buses are a particularly great choice for DC Circulator: they will eliminate air pollution and noise from DC's busy streets, cost less to fuel and maintain, and have been proven in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia. Making that commitment will directly reduce DC's dependence on filthy fossil fuels and immediately improve local air quality everywhere Circulator and its five million annual passengers go, from Skyland to K Street to the National Cathedral.
We're asking the DC government to commit to switch from dirty diesel to electric: to retire all of Circulator's dirty diesel buses by 2020, buy only BEV buses as Circulator replaces and expands its fleet, and build a zero-emissions, all-electric bus garage. DC already plans to spend millions of dollars on Circulator equipment in the coming years, including on new electric buses and a new garage, and VW's money can jump-start that process.
Sign the petition today asking Mayor Bowser to move DC to a clean energy future! After you sign, please share with friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Onwards,
Payton Chung
Smart Growth Committee Chair
PS: Want to join us in advocating for safe and effective transit, affordable housing, and a more bikeable and walkable DC? Come join our Smart Growth Committee.