HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/13/2022 Item 7a, McGowen
From:Carter McGowen <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:2023-2027 Climate Action Plan
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Hello Council,
I would like to add my comments to the climate action plan. Recently SLOCOG stated that the regional rail project was
"not feasible". A commuter rail system would be one of the most effective forms of climate action the city could take.
Every day morning and night during rush hours hundreds of single occupancy vehicles commute from slo to santa maria.
We know that transportation is one of the highest contributors to pollution. We also know that the cost of a vehicle at
baseline costs the average person $10,000 annually not including the initial cost of the vehicle. A regional rail system
would not only help the climate but it would reduce cost for service workers that commute to slo via car every day to
work in businesses frequented and owned by slo residents.
For SLOCOG to say it is not feasible is disappointing especially since they are pushing forward with freeway expansion.
The expansion will disrupt already at capacity traffic and by the time it is finished the freeway will most likely be at
capacity again. Why would we not want to invest in an alternative mode of transit that will not disrupt the already
established ones with its construction and will provide not only commuter benefits but tourism and climate benefits as
well. The city is investing millions of dollars in a parking structure that might not be necessary if a rail link into the city
was present.
A regional rail would benefit people from all walks of life; the elderly, the diabled, working class folks, and tourists. I
don't see how this is not a priority. We are at least half a century behind most other countries in developing a modern
rail system. SLO is always a leader in health and politics and this is something we are sorely lacking. I think this should
take center stage in any climate action plan as passenger vehicles, be it ICE or EV, are not the way to move forward with
the climate crisis we find ourselves in. I realize this is a multi area issue but the city of slo should be spearheading the
adoption of such a system as a climate leader.
Thank you,
--
Carter McGowen
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