CALPIRG Blog

Since President Bush signed the economic stimulus bill in February, as of this week average American families have now spent their $1,500 check just on gasoline. Read our new analysis, Squandering the Stimulus. 

Last week Republicans in Congress responded to high oil prices by calling for more offshore oil drilling off the coast of California and other locations. But on top of the environmental damage that would cause, the amount of oil off our coasts is nothing compared to the oil savings we could achieve by offering commuters better alternatives to driving. 

That's why it's so refreshing that a bill scheduled today for a vote in the House of Representatives, the "Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act of 2008", looks to public transportation instead better serve consumers hit hard by high gas prices. The bill would provide $1.7 billion in funding for local public transit agencies over the next two years. The bill is a great step forward, and Congress should pass H.R. 6052 right away.