Friend,

I represent one of the most polluted zip codes in Michigan, where we live in the shadows of Marathon Oil’s largest refinery in the country.¹

My majority-Black community is subjected to environmental racism. The corporate pollution results in high rates of asthma and respiratory issues, infant mortality at twice the rate of the rest of the state, and a significantly lower average life expectancy.²

In order to move away from fossil fuels and clean up our air and water, we need policies which combat the climate crisis AND environmental injustice through investing in our communities.

An important step is demanding a zero emission public transit policy, including zero emission buses. Already, one public bus reduces the carbon emissions of 40 cars.³

Recently, the U.S. House introduced the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act―which, among other critical investments, significantly increases the Zero-Emission Bus Program by more than 1,000%. This would be a big deal for our lungs and for the climate.

Join me and our allies at the National Campaign for Transit Justice in calling for a zero emission transit policy, including zero emission buses nationwide!

Already, Americans make nearly 5 billion trips by bus a year.⁴ So, it’s not hard to imagine the impact that zero emission bus fleets could have in combating the climate crisis.

Investments in public transit will also generate jobs and help combat racial injustices. 60% of public transit riders are people of color who rely on public transportation to access jobs, food, schools, and doctor’s visits.^5,6

My majority-Black district is the third poorest in the country and we've been screwed over by big polluters for years. We're on the frontlines of the climate crisis and other environmental crises. Environmental justice activists in our community have been pushing for change for years, and I've been proud to fight alongside them my whole career.

Making changes like switching to zero emission buses not only helps ensure that our planet is liveable, but also has a tangible impact right now on our health and safety in communities across the country.

Sign the petition today calling for a nationwide zero emission public transit policy, including zero emission buses.

Together, we’re demanding investments in our future that leave no one behind.

Always serving you,

Rashida