Mission

As Midwestern communities continue to grow, public officials propose new roads to alleviate increased traffic congestion. Unfortunately, studies have shown that building new roads increases rather than decreases the amount of traffic by allowing more commuters to choose driving over mass transit and by increasing urban sprawl.

ELPC is working to promote the availability of mass transit options, encourage the repair of existing roads, and prevent the construction of unnecessary roads which inevitably results in a diminished quality of life for residents.

 

New Rail Service to Iowa City Possible

April 18, 2008 -- New passenger rail service between Chicago and Iowa City via the Quad Cities is possible within a few years. That's the finding of a new study released by Amtrak and the Iowa Department of Transportation. "Rail service has tremendous advantages in terms of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels...and associated pollution," explained Iowa Governor Chet Culver. ELPC originally called for the study and will be working to with Illinois and Iowa leaders toward its implementation.

 

National Commission Calls for Rail, Transit Funding

January 15, 2008 -- "Our Nation will need to put more emphasis on transit and intercity passenger rail and make them a piority for our country." That's the conclusion announced today by the National Surface Transportation and Revenue Commission, a bi-partisan working group established by Congress. Their report calls for sweeping changes to the nation's transportation policies which ELPC and our colleagues are currently evaluating.

 

ELPC is working with other environmental organizations around the region to develop sustainable transportation systems that enhance, not entrap, life in our cities and rural areas.  In Indiana we found that upgrading existing roadways, rather than building a new highway, would save taxpayers $600 million dollars-- and add only eight minutes driving time.  In Illinois, a roadway was postponed because of inadequate environmental consideration-- a first for the state and a precedent-setting case for the region. 

With better planning for roadways, more mass transit, modern railway networks, and smart solutions for our traffic problems, our cities and rural areas can be healthier places to live and work for everyone.