WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today congratulated the Rochester Institute of Technology and U.S. Department of Transportation for their newly created partnership to study ways to reduce the impact of freight transportation on the environment.

Yesterday, RIT announced the joint research initiative with the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration and RIT’s Lab for Environmental Computing and Decision Making. According to RIT, the initiative will examine intermodal freight options studying transport by rail, ship and truck with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and American dependence of fossil fuels.

“This is another example of the cutting-edge science and research happening at RIT,” said Slaughter. “This initiative will help develop solutions for improved freight transportation that is also not damaging for the environment. Moving goods across the country is an essential part of our economy and moving them quickly and efficiently is even more important – which is one reason that I am such a strong advocate for rail. I have no doubt that because the research will be done here in Rochester that the work will be exemplary. I extend my congratulations to RIT for taking part in this important research and look forward to their findings.”

Slaughter has been a leader on transportation issues facing Upstate New York, constantly working to reduce the cost of airfare to local airports and is New York’s leading advocate for high-speed rail in New York State.

Last month, Slaughter was presented the RIT Presidential Medallion, one of RIT's most prestigious awards.