Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states must continue to prioritize a cleaner, more equitable transportation system

Statements this week from two Northeast governors on their plans to pause advocacy for the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) "marks a step backward on efforts to curb vehicle pollution and achieve the region’s ambitious climate goals," said the sustainability nonprofit Ceres.  

“Building a cleaner, more equitable transportation system is vital to meeting state climate goals throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy at Ceres. “TCI-P was always designed to be a part of states’ broader suite of policies to tackle the climate crisis and address the damaging effects of transportation pollution on overburdened and underserved communities. State leaders will need to be diligent about spending federal infrastructure funds equitably with a commitment to curbing transportation pollution. At the same time, we will continue to push states for long-term financing solutions to modernize the transportation sector.” 

In December 2020, elected officials from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, all signed onto the memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining plans to implement TCI-P. This week, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker shared their intent to pull back their support for the program, shifting their focus to utilizing alternative funding sources and programs to achieve their state’s transportation and climate objectives.    

Businesses and institutions from across the region have championed TCI-P as a way to both reduce pollution and improve a transportation system that too often slows and frustrates their workers, customers, and vendors.

“Ceres will continue to mobilize businesses to advocate for strong transportation policies at the federal level and in states around the country, and we look forward to working with governors and legislative leaders to find solutions to the region’s transportation challenges that center equity and fairness,” added Roberts. “That means reducing the transportation pollution burdening our communities, addressing pollution from medium-and-heavy duty vehicles, and investing in clean mobility solutions such as public transit, electric vehicles, and better biking and walking infrastructure that will benefit both urban and rural communities.” 

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.