Alex Padilla U.S. Senator for California

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned a panel of lawmakers during an Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing on building a more sustainable and equitable transportation system by addressing climate change, improving resiliency, and creating economic opportunity.

To watch the full video of Padilla’s questioning, click here.

This past year, California has faced the some of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history, in addition to severe storms and extreme flooding. Padilla asked witnesses on the panel about how we can improve resiliency and disaster preparedness not just in California, but across the nation. They ensured that by incorporating resiliency, we can avoid the devastating impacts of prior storms and make sure we build back better.

Additionally, Padilla focused on equity in transportation, “While the national highway system connects cities and facilitates economic activity across the nation, it’s construction historically has been deeply destructive for many communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color.” In his question to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Padilla referenced Colorado’s work to reconnect communities in the reconstruction of Interstate 70 and how it can serve as a model for reconnecting communities in other cities across the country. Hancock explained how Denver implemented community engagement by listening to residents and understanding the historical actions of environmental justice to help tackle the issues of equity and opportunity. 

The panel included Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan, Mayor of Denver, Colorado Michael Hancock, and President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Victoria Sheehan.

For additional information on testimonies and the hearing, click here.

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