Environmental groups support METRO’s Proposition A as opportunity to invest in clean air, public transit

Media Contacts
Catherine Fraser

Eight environmental groups come together to support Proposition A

Environment Texas

HOUSTON–A coalition of environmentalists and civic leaders will announce support today for METRO’s Proposition A and METRONext plan. Environment Texas will release a new analysis highlighting the environmental benefits of METRONext.

“METRONext will be a huge step forward for expanding public transportation and improving air quality in Houston,” said Catherine Fraser, Clean Air Associate with Environment Texas. “Giving Houstonians better transportation options that support the planet is a key priority in protecting ourselves from the worst effects of global warming and air pollution.”

Proposition A would invest $3.5 billion in expanding public transportation in the METRO service area, funding 16 miles of new light rail, including out to Hobby Airport, 75 miles of new METRORapid express bus service, 110 miles of dedicated express lanes to help buses get around town quickly, and more sidewalks and bus shelters. Environment Texas estimates that METRONext with take up to 500,000 car trips off the road each day, or five million fewer vehicular miles driven each day by 2040. 

“Transportation is America’s single biggest source of global warming pollution. However, in comparison to cars and trucks, public transit produces far less climate-changing pollutants than cars and trucks on the road,” concluded Fraser. 

Environment Texas, the Sierra Club’s Houston Regional Group, 350.org Houston, TAG Houston, Public Citizen, Sunrise Movement HTX, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and TexPIRG have all endorsed METRO’s Proposition A ahead of the November 5 election. The groups will be joined at today’s event by Harris County Judge Hidalgo, METRO Chair Patman, transit advocate Michael Skelly and others. 

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Political ad paid for by Environment Texas. Environment Texas advocates for clean air, clean water, and preservation of Texas’s natural areas on behalf of approximately 5,000 members statewide.