Document O3REjLe5b2aNwMne9O50YQzL1

JACK BERGMAN 1ST DISTRICT, MICHIGAN (Com:Iraqi of the Vilvtiteb f tatez on5e of eproSentatibe5 Etiaaington, DQC 20515-2201 May 20, 2025 The Honorable Tariq Bokhari Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590 COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET Administrator Bokhari: I am writing to request flexibility under the Low or No Emission Grant Program for public transit authorities in Michigan's First District that have encountered operational challenges with the deployment of electric buses funded through this program. Several transit authorities in my district were previously awarded funds through this program to purchase zeroemission electric buses. At the time of application, these authorities selected electric vehicles in good faith, hoping to modernize their public transportation fleets and contribute to cleaner air and reduced emissions. Since then, however, these authorities have encountered serious performance issues related to the operation of these electric buses in the extreme weather conditions common to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula -- where extended periods of freezing temperatures have been found to significantly diminish battery life, limit range, and affect overall vehicle reliability. After an extensive review of alternative technologies, these transit authorities identified low-emission propanepowered buses as a more practical option that would better suit their cold-weather needs -- and notably, without compromising the Low or No Emission Grant Program's goal of reducing vehicle emissions. Despite these buses being an eligible use of grant funds under the program, transit authorities in my district have so far been unable to secure approval from the FTA to modify their original grant agreements. As a result, they are currently faced with a difficult choice: either move forward with a technology that is not suited to their operating environment, or lose the opportunity to modernize their fleets. Given the administration's strong emphasis on practical, results-driven investments and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I respectfully urge the FTA to consider granting flexibility in these cases. Supporting the use of low-emission propane-powered buses in areas where electric buses are simply not feasible would not only uphold the Low or No Emission Grant Program's mission, but also ensure that federal investments are effectively and efficiently utilized. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or if further information is needed. WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 566 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BLDG WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-4735 TRAVERSE CITY OFFICE 1396 DOUGLAS DR, STE 228 TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49696 (231) 944-7633 OST-2025-1200 Page 02918 GWINN OFFICE 125 GAVE, STE B119 GWINN, MI 49841 (906) 273-2227 MANISTIOUE OFFICE 7876W Co RD 442, STE B MANISTIOUE, MI 49854 (9061 286-4191 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0028628 Sincerely, < CakZV I In*v Jack Bergman Member of Congress OST-2025-1200 Page 02919 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0028629