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The Bush Administration is intent on further trampling worker protections before it leaves the White House.  If successful, it will destroy the most innovative, sweeping pro-worker and clean-air models in our nation. In a political move that has been called a “colossal mistake” by one of its members, the Federal Maritime Commission has blocked key elements of the landmark Clean Trucks Program that took effect on October 1st – specifically targeting elements designed to improve working conditions for port truck drivers. The draconian action was taken behind closed doors without public hearings or any environmental or economic analysis. 

Will you ask Congress to intervene now to protect clean air and green jobs?

The nationally recognized Clean Trucks Program at the Port of Los Angeles is the boldest green-growth initiative in the world. The program was designed to clean Southern California’s air and to restore the rights of thousands of port truck drivers working at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long beach.   This comprehensive solution is supported by President-elect Obama as well as local officials and community groups. It is the product of years of stakeholder input by labor, environmental advocates, business and community residents. If the program moves forward, it will reduce deadly diesel emissions by 80%, turn poverty-level jobs into middle class jobs, and become a good jobs, clean-air model for port cities around the nation and the world.  The Port of Oakland is now considering a similar program and grassroots coalitions in Seattle, New York/New Jersey and Miami are organizing to get green growth policies adopted at Ports in their communities.

Make no mistake, the entire country is watching. Because if the Bush administration blocks the Clean Trucks Program in Southern California, it will hamper efforts by other communities to create good jobs and clean up dangerous pollution at ports across the country. 

Don’t let the Bush Administration give anti-worker policies a pass with the stroke of a pen. Your Senators and Congress members are your voice in Washington and can help stop the Bush Administration’s secretive actions. Please let your elected representatives in Washington, DC know you are counting on them to stand up and fight for clean air and good jobs at our nation’s ports. 

P.S. – After you’ve emailed your representatives, please forward this appeal to your friends, family and colleagues. We need everyone’s help to stop the Bush Administration’s attack on clean air and good jobs.