TCI Takes Next Steps Towards Greener Transportation

Today the Transportation and Climate Initiative, comprised on New Jersey and 11 other states, announced its draft plan to reduce pollution from cars and trucks. The states will publish a draft regional clean transportation policy by the end of 2019 and finalize this proposal in 2020.  In September, the Trump Administration revoked California’s Clean Air Act waiver. The clean car standards protect the environment and the public health of more than 118 million people, upwards of 40 percent of the U.S. population.

“States are standing up to Trump and his attacks on our clean air and our wallets. It is important for states to work together to reduce emissions from cars, especially when Trump has dismantled the CAFE and California Waiver Rule.  His move will impact New Jersey and 13 other states tied to the program. Now it is critical for states to collaborate on reducing air pollution in the transportation sector, especially since it is the biggest source of GHG in New Jersey. New Jersey is a corridor state getting truck and car pollution from Virginia to Maine. Having other states reduce pollution will have a positive impact on New Jersey’s clean air,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “TCI need to move quickly to cut emissions and jumpstart a successful electric vehicle system. Otherwise, we will see more asthma and respiratory problems from tailpipe emissions, less green jobs, all while we pay more to fuel our vehicles.”

The TCI policy will build on an existing, highly-successful approach that’s already cutting carbon pollution in the power sector. Known as cap-and-invest. While this policy will establish a common regional framework, it won’t be the only clean transportation initiative. Cities and states will also continue to pursue other strategies, including complementary investments in public transportation and clean vehicles. The other participating states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.

 “New Jersey needs to take a stronger role with TCI. We need to get our act in order on getting the infrastructure in place for EV’s and programs to encourage EV’s . It is critical for New Jersey to work to reduce our GHG emissions from our mobile sources. However we need to make sure that the TCI proposal is done right. New Jersey must have target reductions for EJ communities disproportionately burdened by pollution. Our state used to be a leader in innovation and transportation, however making EV’s a reality for New Jersey has stalled. The Murphy Administration we too utilize the coalition and coordinate with other states to buy electric buses, have electric mass transit, and put the infrastructure in place for electric vehicles,” said Tittel.

It is more important than ever for states take action and move forward with policies to reduce air pollution from mobile sources.  President Trump’s decision to rollback clean car emission standards like the CAFE standards and California Car Waiver could make it much more difficult for states like New Jersey to set strong emissions and fuel efficiency standards.

“New Jersey and states participating in TCI can stand up to Donald Trump’s war on our lungs. We can see the benefits of clean air and clean jobs if the we build a multi-state-wide network of charging stations, create green jobs, save people money on gas, and reduce air pollution. Almost 45% of New Jersey’s greenhouse gases come from mobile sources, but these emissions can be easily cut by implementing EV technology. In New Jersey, we need to use legislation to advance EVs and especially EV infrastructure in our state. S2252(Smith) will help kick electric vehicles into high gear and reduce air pollution and fossil fuels,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.