SAN DIEGO – Today, U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-52), MTS Board Chair and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, and representatives from IBEW Local 569 and the Environmental Health Coalition highlighted $750,000 in federal funding for the Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Imperial Avenue Division Zero Emission Bus Project. This project is one of seven projects Rep. Peters advocated to include in the federal appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022. In total, seven projects for CA-52 were funded for a total of $5,862,500.
“Projects like the one we celebrate today strengthen my work in Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “I rely on San Diego’s progress as evidence of what we can build to advance solutions to climate change while increasing connectivity for San Diego riders. My office is thrilled to be part of the momentum behind the hard work to modernize our infrastructure and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions for nearby communities.”
In September 2020, the MTS Board of Directors approved a plan to transition the agency’s bus fleet to all zero-emissions vehicles by 2040. The plan accelerates the purchase of 25 electric buses before the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB), Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation begins in 2023, including the agency’s first 60-ft articulated electric buses. To accommodate a fully zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet by 2040, MTS must upgrade each bus division. The funds for this project will go toward the design phase of building the necessary infrastructure to charge and operate the ZEBs.
“As we continue to embrace the latest technologies to push our region closer to a greener future, funding is crucial to modernize our infrastructure,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair, and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful to have Rep. Peters as an ally who continues to champion federal funding for clean air and transit projects that are good for the environment, create jobs and new careers in our workforce.”
“IBEW 569 – the electricians union – has been a longtime advocate for cleaner air and zero emission buses – building stronger communities with electric infrastructure and combatting climate change,” said Cristina Márquez, Environmental Organizer for IBEW 569. “Critical to the successful implementation of a zero-emissions bus fleet is the charging infrastructure necessary to support it, and the skilled workforce to build it. We are thankful for Congressman Scott Peters and his successful efforts to deliver critical funding for MTS zero emission buses and electric charging infrastructure, and the good green jobs it creates for local electricians.”
“San Diego has the sixth-worst ozone pollution in the nation, poisoning our lungs and making it harder to breathe,” said Carolina Martinez, Climate Justice Director, Environmental Health Coalition. “It is essential that we accelerate the transition to pollution-free buses for communities most hurt by climate change, where asthma rates are up to 95% higher than the rest of California. EHC is excited to continue working with Representative Peters and MTS to support clean air investments.”
Since taking office in 2013, Rep. Peters has supported MTS and the agency’s ambitious environmental initiatives. He helped secure $1B in federal funds for the recently opened Blue Line trolley extension and continues to lead climate solutions in the House of Representatives focused on eliminating harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California, which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Budget Committee, as well as the Joint Economic Committee. Peters has led some of the most consequential climate bills enacted into law since he joined Congress in 2012, including the USEIT Act and the American Innovation and Manufacturing Leadership Act that became law through last year’s historic energy package, as well as a resolution to restore robust regulations on methane pollution that was signed into law by President Biden on June 30, 2021. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.
