Vermont Business Magazine Leading environmental, health, scientific and business organizations today applauded the announcement by seven states, including Vermont, andWashington, DC,of plans to develop a regional policy to reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector. The move was endorsed today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Acadia Center,Sierra Club, and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), and five other groups.
The announcement byConnecticut,Delaware, theDistrict of Columbia, Maryland,Massachusetts,New York,Rhode IslandandVermontwas made during the Bonn Climate Change Summit.
All of the states in question have years of experience with what is known as the "cap-and-invest" model through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) for power plant emissions. In the eight years since RGGI arrived on the scene,carbon pollution from power plants has fallen by 40 percent, while the program has simultaneouslysaved consumers money,increased economic growth,created jobsandimproved public health.
One possible path for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states would be to adopt a program similar to RGGI for an upgraded and cleaner transportation system. The cap-and-invest model would provide funding and incentives to: accelerate adoption of electric cars, trucks and buses; expand public transit and ride sharing; and build walkable, bikable and transit-oriented communities accessible to all residents. These solutions can mean fewer delays, safer travel, reduced health and climate impacts … and, just as importantly, more jobs and a more equitable transportation system that benefits everyone, including those who need help themost. It is estimated that a RGGI-like approach would cut transportation climate pollution by 40 percent, create more than 100,000 new jobs and put$14.4 billionin families' pockets – all by 2030.
Key Facts:
- In 2016 RGGI states emitted 79,228,039 tons of CO2,
falling 8.4% below the RGGI cap, and emissions have
fallen 40% since RGGI launched.
Average electricity prices across the region have
decreased by 6.4% since RGGI took effect, while
electricity prices in other states have increased by
6.2%.
- Since RGGI launched member states have reduced
emissions by 15% more than other states and
experienced 4.3% more economic growth.
- The RGGI states have proposed to strengthen the
program through 2030, supporting the program’s
continued environmental and economic success.
- Proposed RGGI reforms will result in 130 million
fewer tons of CO2 and $1.28 billion in avoided
health impacts.
Statements from the nine groups follow:
Ken Kimmell, president, Union of Concerned Scientists, and former chairman, RGGI board of directors, said:"The states' announcement today is an important one, as the states have now committed to robust public input on the critical issue of providing a better, cleaner transportation system in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states. All good policies start with listening to the public, and the states' decision to do so now shows that they are serious about tackling this problem and that they are going about it the right way. It appears that one of the options for discussion is a regionalcap and invest program covering transportation fuels; this option could help improve our public transportation system, provide more affordable housing near public transit, and speed the transition to electric vehicles. These investments will mean more jobs, better health, less money spent on gasoline, and more mobility choices for Northeast/mid-Atlantic residents."
Jackson Morris, director, Eastern Energy, NRDC, said:"As the Trump administration continues its reckless climate denial, states are stepping up and doubling down on climate action. Cleaning up transportation will turbocharge this region's economy, reduce traffic jams, and save consumers money. The commitment of these bipartisan governors tolead on transportation, just as they've led on clean energy for years, is an important step in capturing the jobs and economic opportunities that will flow from a clean and modern transportation system."
Mark Kresowik, deputy regional director, Sierra Club, said:"Modernizing and electrifying our transportation sector creates jobs, grows our economy, reduces congestion and other traffic delays, and saves lives. Northeast states already have a proven bipartisan model to reduce climate-disrupting pollution and improve an energy system, the successful and popular Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. As Northeast state officials continue to lead on climate protection, and commit to listening to their constituents in developing a clean and prosperous energy future, they should apply lessons learned from RGGI to limit pollution from transportation fuels and invest in clean mobility for our families, businesses, and communities."
Jordan Stutt, policy analyst, Acadia Center, said:"We commend these states for providing climate leadership when we need it most. Transportation accounts for more carbon pollution than any other sector, but as we have seen from RGGI, regional, market-based climate policy can reduce harmful emissions while driving the economy forward."
Phelps Turner, staff attorney, Conservation Law Foundation, said: "Transportation is the single largest source of climate-disrupting emissions that pollute our air and threaten our health. And with a federal government that refuses to act on climate change, it's more critical than ever that local leaders step up. Today's announcement demonstrates a firm commitment to expanding the proven RGGI model and ensuring that the future of transportation is safe, affordable and clean."
"As a network of businesses committed to promoting clean energy, the Ceres BICEP network applauds the decision by the seven governors and the Mayor of theDistrict of Columbiato pursue common sense policies that would reduce transportation pollution,"saidAnne Kelly, senior director of policy and the BICEP Network, Ceres."A regional approach to cutting transportation emissions is an efficient and effective way to grow the economy and protect the planet. We, along with our business members, look forward to opportunities to participate in and influence the stakeholder process over the coming year."
Claire Coleman, climate and energy attorney, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, said:"We commend these states – particularly our ownState of Connecticut– for their climate leadership at a time when federal action is shamefully absent. The participation of state leaders at the U.N. climate talks in Bonn,Germanymake clear that strong state action is critical for reducing emissions to meet state and international targets. A regional, market-based policy for transportation pollution would improve health while creating jobs and generating billions in revenue – dollars states could use to reinvest in clean transportation opportunities, particularly for underserved communities most impacted by pollution."
Nancy Goodman, vice president for policy, Environmental League ofMassachusetts, said:"We applaud the Baker administration for moving, along with other states in the region, to reduce carbon pollution from transportation. A cap and invest approach can be a win/win—reducing emissions while raising much needed revenue for a clean, green, well-functioning transportation system. It's more important than ever for states to lead."
Chris Dempsey, director, Transportation forMassachusetts, said:"We applaud these states for moving forward together on a regional framework. A cap and invest program, building on the success of the RGGI program, has the potential to both make our transportation system greener, healthier, and more equitable while also making key transportation investments that are badly needed all acrossMassachusetts."
SOURCE: BOSTONand BONN,Germany,Nov. 13, 2017/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Natural Resources Defense Council,Washington, D.C.