Environmental Defense Fund Withdraws Support from PL Now

EDF sent the following letter to Purple Line Now:

Dear Colleagues:

It was recently called to my attention that the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) remains listed on your website, http://www.purplelinenow.com/published/how_you_can_help/supporter_list.html, as a supporter of the Inner Purple Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) proposal. Please remove us from your list of supporters.

EDF continues to support the proposal for a circumferential dedicated transitway within the Purple Line corridor, as we have for many years.

However, additional information has surfaced since 2002 on the likely impacts and design of the Inner Purple Line LRT, as proposed by Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT). Recent analysis by Sam Schwartz for the Town of Chevy Chase has convinced EDF that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Purple Line has not fairly considered Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternatives. Impacts to the viability of the Capital Crescent Trail and urban design problems posed at the western terminus of the LRT in downtown Bethesda need to be more fully considered. The large job growth that BRAC will bring to the National Institutes for Health and the Naval Medical Center area also make the Jones Bridge BRT option a viable one that deserves greater consideration. With the large budget deficits that Maryland faces, it is not prudent to dismiss the highly cost-effective BRT options for the Purple Line corridor. It appears BRT would also be more effective at reducing greenhouse gases and cutting use of motor vehicles in the corridor and the region. EDF is concerned that the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the Purple Line is seriously flawed, as was the EIS for the Intercounty Connector.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Replogle
Transportation Director
Environmental Defense Fund