NAST and ECOS file suit against Caltrans

ECOS and NAST have jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the adequacy of
Caltrans' environmental analysis for the Highway 50 expansion project.
While it's unfortunate that we had to resort to litigation, it's also
exhilerating that we've been able to put together a coalition to
forcefully stand up to the state's leading transportation agency to demand
honesty and accountability concerning the impacts of this project for our
region and our neighborhoods.

I've posted our press release that gives more details.

The story has also been picked up by the Capital Public Radio and by the Sacramento Business Journal.

Litigation is, of course, expensive, and we are actively soliciting support. PLEASE continue to support this effort by sending us a check. Friends of ECOS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is accepting donations specifically for this lawsuit. Mark your check "Highway 50 litigation fund" and send it to:

Friends of ECOS
909 12th Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814

Donations are tax deductible.

Lawsuit Fund

On June 21st, Caltrans approved a project to add lanes to Highway 50
for what APPEARS to be a noble cause: carpool lanes. What's not to
like?

The PROBLEM: These lanes will only be carpool lanes a few hours of
the day. The vast majority of the time, they will be UNRESTRICTED,
BUSINESS-AS-USUAL HIGHWAY LANES which means 20%-25% MORE CAPACITY for
CARS AND TRUCKS and the GRIDLOCK and POLLUTION THEY CREATE.

Despite that, Caltrans has the AUDACITY to claim that the project
"will not have a significant effect on the environment." YES, YOU
READ THAT RIGHT. They claim that adding new lanes will not increase
car trips, gas consumption or air pollution.

More lanes means more cars and more AGGRAVATION. Who hasn't felt
ROAD RAGE being stuck in traffic, burning ever-more-costly gas,
breathing fumes and getting nowhere? There is an epidemic of OBESITY
in this country, partly because most of us are stuck in our cars and
can't easily walk or take transit to our destinations. Serious car
accidents, skyrocketing insurance premiums, lifelong health
problems. IT DOESN'T HAVE BE THIS WAY. We CAN become a society less
dependent on cars, with healthier, more enjoyable and less costly
options for getting around quickly and conveniently.

We believe that carpool lanes have a place in our future
transportation plans. But WE THINK OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE HONEST
ABOUT THEIR REAL IMPACTS, and allow for public debate about their
total costs and benefits relative to alternatives like light rail,
commuter rail, expanded bus service, and neighborhood shuttles.

The time to shift our public investment to support more sustainable
transportation is NOW. RIGHT NOW. LET'S NOT ALLOW THIS BEHEMOTH
BUREAUCRACY TO PRETEND THAT EXPANDING ROADS WILL NOT EFFECT OUR
QUALITY OF LIFE, OUR HEALTH OR THE ENVIRONMENT.

Neighbors Advocating Sustainable Transportation (NAST) is a
Sacramento coalition of neighborhood, community and environmental
associations. We have no staff. We have no budget. But we have a
vision of a better future for Sacramento.

WE HAVE ONLY ONE MONTH to file a CEQA lawsuit to STOP THIS
PROJECT, so we need to raise money to hire a lawyer RIGHT NOW.
Friends of ECOS is hosting a litigation fund for NAST.

Please spread the word about this critical need. MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT
TO "FRIENDS OF ECOS", include a note directing it to the NAST
Litigation Fund, and send your donation NOW to:

FRIENDS OF ECOS
909 12th Street, Suite 100
Sacramento CA 95814