New Policy Analysis Shows State Transportation Departments are Key to Climate Progress and Consumer Savings
Today, the Clean RIDES Network—a new, unprecedented network of more than 100 organizations uniting to support state leaders in advancing clean transportation—released a report analyzing the climate and consumer benefits of key policies the network is advancing in seven states, including Minnesota. Move Minnesota is proud to be one of the organizations advancing this effort here in Minnesota in coordination with our local and national allies.
The new report, “Reducing Costs, Commuting, and Climate Pollution: State Solutions for Better Transportation”, demonstrates that these policies could offset more than 2.25 gigatons of climate pollution by 2050, equivalent to the annual emissions of 596 coal-fired power plants. The report also shows that these reforms would save the average American household nearly $1,700 per year and reduce time spent in traffic by 28 hours per person annually.
“In Minnesota and across the country, our transportation system is unsustainable in human, environmental, and economic terms, failing to put people first by polluting our communities and costing people hard earned time and money,” said Joe Harrington, Policy Manager at Our Streets. “In this moment of federal uncertainty, Clean RIDES will play a pivotal role in supporting our state’s advocates and leaders to build on recent successes that have led to smart transportation policies and work to create vibrant, reconnected communities for all Minnesotans. Together, we can put transportation dollars to work solving our state’s biggest challenges.”
The Clean RIDES Network brings together national and local organizations spanning climate, transit, labor, business, housing, and public health to support state transportation leaders, particularly amid great uncertainty at the federal level.
“Everyone has the right to clean air, affordable communities, and access to jobs and education, and the Clean RIDES Network is creating tangible transportation change in our communities so that people of all backgrounds, ages, races, and abilities can thrive,” said Elissa Schufman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Move Minnesota. “Minnesotans know the value of protecting our environment and caring for our friends and neighbors. With state leaders holding the keys to progress on climate and affordability, we’re proud to partner with organizations and community members to fight for local and state clean transportation policies that will make our communities better for everyone.”
Even as the federal government rolls back policies and rescinds funding for clean transportation, states hold the power to decide how transportation dollars are spent and what kind of infrastructure gets built—making their leadership more critical than ever.
“The Trump administration is trying to derail clean transportation projects, but states are in the driver’s seat when it comes to building cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable transportation options,” said Justin Balik, senior state program director at Evergreen Collaborative. “Governors and other state leaders have an opportunity to step up and direct transportation spending where it’s needed most—connecting communities, lowering costs for consumers, and cutting climate pollution.”
The Clean RIDES Network is working with state departments of transportation to shift funds away from expanding highways and focus instead on maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in public transit, and making clean cars easier to afford and charge.
“Clean transportation is a key way to relieve pressure on Americans’ pocketbooks and uphold our country’s obligation to cut climate pollution—and we urge state leaders to keep the momentum going despite a hostile federal administration,” said Hana Creger, Associate Director of Climate Equity at The Greenlining Institute. “The Clean RIDES Network unites diverse constituencies across states because we all recognize that a clean, affordable transportation system is key to thriving communities and a strong economy—and we’re here to help state leaders deliver on those goals for the American people.”
State DOTs have long prioritized road expansion as the primary way to move people. However, with commute times worsening each year and car ownership ranking as the second largest expense for most Americans after housing, some state DOT leaders are rethinking this approach. Instead of spending millions on more roads, they recognize the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.
“Our outdated transportation system traps us in gridlock, while forcing us to shell out thousands on car payments,” said Carter Rubin, Director of State Transportation Advocacy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Americans are eager for more investment in fast trains, frequent buses, and safe sidewalks to improve our quality of life and make our communities vibrant places to live, work, and play.”
The Clean RIDES Network is initially focused on seven states—California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania—that are well-positioned to improve their transportation systems. Over the next five years, the network aims to expand to additional states and establish a blueprint for widespread adoption nationwide.
For more information about the Clean RIDES Network, visit: www.cleanridesnetwork.org.