Statements from State Leaders on the Launch of the TCI-P
On December 21, 2020, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia became the first jurisdictions to launch the Transportation and Climate Iniative Program (TCI-P). Eight other states shared a statement of support. This page includes statements from TCI-P jurisdiction leaders about the launch.
Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker
“As a Commonwealth, we have an obligation to address climate change head on and a challenge this great requires action across our region and nation. That’s why I am proud to join Governor Lamont, Governor Raimondo and Mayor Bowser to launch this trailblazing program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building the clean, resilient transportation system of the future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By partnering with our neighbor states with which we share tightly connected economies and transportation systems, we can make a more significant impact on climate change while creating jobs and growing the economy as a result. A dozen Transportation and Climate Initiative states are also committing to this effort today and we look forward to these partners moving ahead with us as we build out this first in the nation program.”
Read the full press release from the Massachusetts Office of Governor Charlie Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to proactively invest in protecting public health, especially in communities most affected by air pollution,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The Transportation and Climate Initiative Program provides a critical opportunity to improve air quality throughout the Commonwealth, create jobs for Massachusetts residents, and help our state and regional economies recover.”
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides
“The next decade is pivotal for all levels of government to take deliberate action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and this historic multi-jurisdictional program will unlock solutions that reduce emissions and protect our most vulnerable residents in environmental justice communities and communities underserved by transportation options,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Importantly, all TCI jurisdictions have committed to continuing their work together on the program, and we look forward to welcoming additional states into the program while continuing our work across the region to meet our Net Zero climate goals here in Massachusetts, improving local air quality, and deploying new, clean transportation options.”
Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack
“Tackling a challenge as big as climate change requires regions to work together and both the Memorandum of Understanding and joint statement represent a commitment by a broad group of states to continue collaborating on strategies that can bend the curve on transportation greenhouse gas emissions, which continue to be the largest and fastest growing source of climate-altering pollution,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg
“We look forward to ongoing engagement with communities, especially those that have been overburdened or underserved,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “MassDEP will work to engage with those communities and all interested parties as we move forward.”
Connecticut
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
“Engaging in this way with my fellow governors and Mayor Bowser accomplishes goals we have set for Connecticut for years,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont.“Participating in the TCI-P will help grow our economy through a fresh injection of capital to provide for jobs and new infrastructure. This collaboration will cut our greenhouse gas emissions, and it will make our urban centers healthier, after decades of being adversely impacted by the emissions being released by traffic every day. Connecticut has always taken pride in our leadership role when it comes to climate, and when we can combine that with a stronger economy, fast transit systems, and regional cooperation, that’s a win for all of us.” Read the full press release from the Connecticut Office of Governor Ned Lamont.
Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes
“Today’s commitment shows that Connecticut is not just setting ambitious climate targets, but taking the steps needed to reach them,” Connecticut Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “For the first time, Connecticut will be capping carbon pollution from transportation – a priority of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change process. By embracing TCI-P’s regional approach, including a commitment to investing equitably in our most overburdened and underserved communities, we will reduce transportation sector GHG emissions by 26 percent over the next decade while modernizing our transportation system and addressing tangible inequities in health, quality of life, and mobility.” Read the full press release from the Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Transportation Commissioner Joseph Guiletti
“This collaborative regional approach will better position transportation to be the state’s largest solution to carbon emissions, instead of its largest source,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “We know the contributing role transportation can play in curbing climate change and improving our communities. In Connecticut, families and businesses can continue to thrive if we keep moving towards alternative fuel vehicles, investing in public transit, and creating more livable communities with bike and pedestrian infrastructure.”
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo
“Joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative is an investment in Rhode Islanders,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “This first-of-its-kind program will provide $20 million annually for public transit, safe streets for bikers and pedestrians, and other green projects. Most importantly, it will provide much-needed relief for the urban communities who suffer lifelong health problems as a result of dirty air. I look forward to working with the Rhode Island General Assembly to launch this program and protect the health of Rhode Islanders.” Read the full press release from the Rhode Island Office of Governor Gina M. Raimondo.
Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit
"TCI gives us the opportunity to develop and implement a detailed roadmap to cut pollution, improve public health, and invest in significant transportation and community improvements so that Rhode Island can become a cleaner and easier place to navigate for all," said Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit. "Rhode Islanders care a great deal about cutting harmful air pollution, expanding cleaner public transit options, reducing traffic congestion, and investing in transportation infrastructure to ensure, among other things, that essential workers can get to work safely and on time. TCI will help us achieve these and other benefits."
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser
“My vision is for the District to be the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all our residents,” said Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “To realize that vision, we have ambitious goals – for mobility, equity, and climate – and this program is an opportunity to accelerate all three, together. That’s why I’m proud to join this collaboration, leveraging a multi-jurisdictional commitment to cutting pollution to deliver real health benefits and investment dollars for all eight Wards.”
Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian
“This initiative is a major step forward in achieving our vision of a sustainable, livable city,” said District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian. “By establishing a new ‘polluter pays’ source of revenue, we will be able to direct new funds towards transportation initiatives that meet our moveDC goals and establish a transportation system that is safe, equitable, accessible, affordable, reliable and sustainable.”
Department of Energy & Environment Director Tommy Wells
“The District has established one of the most progressive track records in the nation for sustainability, working to mitigate the major causes of climate change: fossil fuel consumption,” said Department of Energy & Environment Director Tommy Wells. “This commitment to action is critical if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.” Read the full press release from the D.C. Dept. of Energy & Environment.