Officials in three New England states and Washington, D.C., unveiled today a package of policies to guide the implementation of the Transportation & Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), a bold regional effort to reduce harmful air pollution and invest in clean mobility options across the jurisdictions.
Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit that has worked with major employers across the northeast and mid-Atlantic to support and advance the program, applauds the release of the TCI-P model rule and implementation plan. They include provisions to reduce transportation pollution 30% by 2032 and invest at least 35% of program funds in communities that have historically borne the brunt of that pollution.
“Today’s action is critical to ensuring that TCI-P is both an effective and equitable policy for improving our transportation system,” said Alli Gold Roberts, director of state policy, Ceres. “It will take a lot of work to address the damaging effects of transportation pollution on overburdened and underserved communities. TCI-P must be part of the solution, and we are pleased by the states' considerable progress in responding to community feedback and committing to a holistic approach to reducing vehicle pollution."
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C., were the first jurisdictions to join the program. A broader coalition of East Coast states—including Delaware, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia—also provided input on the model rule and implementation plan and may formally join the program at a future date.
These participating jurisdictions also committed on Thursday to a series of policies in coordination with TCI-P’s implementation, such as increased air-quality monitoring in highly polluted communities, accelerated replacement of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission models, and the establishment of robust charging networks in order to facilitate the growing shift toward electric vehicles.
“TCI-P is a valuable tool for cleaning up our transportation sector, but not the only one,” Roberts added. “We look forward to working with the states to develop a suite of additional policies that will build a more sustainable transportation system and economy.”
Ceres has organized a vast network of business interests who have championed TCI-P because it promises both to reduce pollution and improve a transportation system that too often slows and frustrates their workers, customers, and vendors. In October, more than 100 investors and major employers—including leading transportation companies like DHL, Uber, and Lyft—signed letters to state leaders, describing the existing transportation system as “a roadblock to our economic and our climate goals.”
TCI-P will allow states to invest in transportation solutions to solve some of these challenges, such as public transit, electric vehicles, and better biking and walking infrastructure. The model rule and implementation plan will serve as a roadmap as participating jurisdictions develop and finalize their own policies and regulations before implementing TCI-P next year.
Of the first states to formally join, Connecticut and Rhode Island require legislative approval to formalize their participation in TCI-P. Rhode Island is currently considering a bill to authorize this program. While the Connecticut General Assembly did not pass TCI-P legislation as a part of their budget before the end of the legislative session on June 9, Gov. Ned Lamont remains committed to the program and will push for standalone legislation.Â
“Ceres commends the Lamont administration’s continued enthusiasm for the program and we urge Connecticut lawmakers to approve the plan as soon as possible,” Roberts said. “We encourage the states to prioritize continued collaboration among governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders across the region as more states consider joining the program and enjoying its many economic, public health, and mobility benefits."
Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.