Dear Neighbor:

Did you know that 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our country stem from transportation? Sustainable electric transportation is an essential step forward on our road to a green future, and I'm proud that Maryland's Eighth District is leading the way.

Electric vehicle adoption boasts myriad climate, health and economic benefits for our community, including substantial reductions in harmful emissions, improved air quality, taxpayer dollars saved on gas price fluctuations, fewer vehicle transmission repairs and more.

Celebrating the largest school bus electrification project in the U.S. with MCPS and local leaders

Recently, I've been delighted to celebrate monumental electrification initiatives throughout our community. The largest school bus electrification project in the entire U.S. is taking place in the Montgomery County Public School System! Replacing our old school buses will deliver cleaner air and help reduce our students’ exposure to diesel exhaust, which is linked to asthma and other serious health conditions. I was also pleased to participate in the opening of the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot in Silver Spring to electrify Montgomery County's growing green fleet.

Electrifying American transportation will require strong federal-local partnerships, and I'm committed to advocating in Congress for investment in electric vehicles nationwide so that our country can follow the MD-08 example.

I proudly supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which, in addition to allocating $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide, included a historic $5 billion over the next five years for the Clean School Bus Program. In May, the EPA announced an initial $500 million in rebates for participating school districts across the country, and then increased available rebates to nearly $1 billion due to overwhelming demand. Additionally, during this year’s appropriations process, I joined my colleagues in pushing for additional funding for zero-emission school buses under the Clean School Bus Program. As the House and Senate negotiate the next government funding bill, I’ll continue to advocate for this powerful initiative.

At the ribbon-cutting for the new Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot in Silver Spring 

I couldn't be prouder to see Maryland's Eighth District emerge as a national leader in green transportation.

In more great transit news, I am also pleased to share that the Metro's Silver Line extension to the Dulles Airport has opened just in time for the holidays! MD-08 travelers can now ride Metro to get to Washington Dulles International Airport. Click here to calculate fares and check out Metro's trip planner.

As always, I encourage all of my constituents across the Eighth District to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request my assistance, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch.

All Best,

Jamie Raskin