WASHINGTON & BOSTON — Some 48 local, regional and national groups today launched a new coalition, Our Transportation Future, to help Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states develop a regional clean transportation system that protects public health, curbs climate-changing pollution, expands economies and improves the flow of commerce.
The coalition will support states’ efforts to address a transportation system that is unworkable, outmoded and is the leading source of carbon pollution driving climate change.
Our Transportation Future (OTF) is committed to finding solutions and modernizing transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. The coalition aims to help transform the region’s transportation system into a model for the nation that gets people in rural, suburban and urban communities where they need to go safely, more efficiently and with less exposure to harmful pollution.
OTF experts are taking an active role to educate state policy makers and the media. The new OTF website will provide important news, information and announcements about the ongoing efforts to modernize transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. A monthly round-up of media coverage and commentary about regional clean transportation is available at OTF with a free subscription.
OTF supports the policy objectives of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a collaboration of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia working to reduce transportation pollution and invest in a modern, clean transportation future for the region. In December 2018, nine TCI states and D.C. committed to working over the course of 2019 to design and create a market-based program to limit transportation pollution while improving public transit, expanding electric vehicle use, establishing more bikeways, establish more pedestrian walkways and foster economic growth.
Bruce Ho, senior advocate, climate and clean energy, Natural Resources Defense Council, said: “We must not let this rare opportunity pass us by. Now is the time to come together to transform a transportation system that today is dirty, dated and dangerous into a modern, vibrant, clean and safe network that serves the needs of all, from town to city across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. We are committed to working with leaders throughout the region to make this vision a reality.”
Jordan Stutt, carbon programs director, Acadia Center said that, “This broad group of organizations has united around a shared reality: it’s time to invest in our transportation future. Our air is polluted, our public transit is outdated, and traffic is choking our cities. Through TCI and other clean transportation policies, we can invest in solutions for cleaner air, healthier people, and a thriving economy.”
Chris Dempsey of Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) said: “Governors across the region have stepped up to address this issue, and advocates that care about transportation and the environment are here to back them up. Transportation is the largest source of air pollution in Massachusetts, and the market-based, regional approach championed by Governor Baker should be a cornerstone policy in addressing this pressing problem.”
About OTF
Our Transportation Future is a coalition of local, regional and national organizations that are committed to modernizing transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. OTF is focused on improving our transportation system—the ways we move people and goods in the region—to spur economic growth, make us healthier and safer, clean up the environment, and improve our quality of life.
An improved transportation system means more clean cars and trucks, more reliable mass transit, more walkable and bikeable communities. Also, investments that connect everyone, including those in underserved and rural areas.
OTF Members Include
A Better City, Acadia Center, Ceres, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, Clean Air Council, Clean Water Action, Climate Law and Policy Project, ClimateX Change, ConnPIRG, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Entrepreneurs, Energize Maryland, Environment America, Environment Connecticut, Environment Massachusetts, Environment Maryland, Environment Maine, Environment New Hampshire, Environment New Jersey, Environment New York, Environment Rhode Island, Environment Virginia, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental League of Massachusetts, MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Initiative, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Green For All, Health Care Without Harm, Maryland PIRG, Mass Climate Action Network, MassPIRG, Natural Resources Defense Council, Nature Conservancy, New York League of Conservation Voters, NJPIRG, Northeast Clean Energy Council, Penn Environment, Rail Passengers Association, Sierra Club, Transportation for America, Transportation for Massachusetts, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Union of Concerned Scientists, USPIRG, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, 350 MASS for A Better Future. ourtransportationfuture.org
