Mayor Becker Scheduled to Testify Before Senate Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2009

 

Mayor Becker to Testify Before Senate Committee

U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works requests Mayor’s expertise

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH –Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will testify before the United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee tomorrow, July 14. Mayor Becker was invited to testify before the Committee by Chairman Barbara Boxer and Ranking Member James Inhofe.

 

The hearing, which focuses on “Transportation’s Role in Climate Change and Reducing Greenhouse Gases,” will begin at 2:30 P.M. EST in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The hearing is being held to examine opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and to discuss related benefits.

 

Mayor Becker will discuss his approach to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley not only from his perspective as Mayor, but also as the founder and partner of the environmental planning and policy development firm Bear West. During his time at the firm, he frequently consulted with local government, community groups and stakeholders throughout Utah and the Rocky Mountain West to formulate sustainable land management and development policies.

 

 “A comprehensive effort to reduce global warming pollution must encompass transportation demand management strategies, balanced funding approaches to transportation infrastructure investment and a commitment to mass transit options, development of alternative forms of transportation, and changes in our habits to reduce vehicle miles traveled,” stated Becker.  “Incentives for systemic change must begin at the federal level.”

 

You can watch the Mayors testimony live via webcast from the Committee’s website at http://epw.senate.gov/public/?CFID=4689550&CFTOKEN=89174150 beginning at 2:30 P.M. EST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

 

###