Three states and Washington, D.C. are collaborating to reduce pollution while also promoting clean transportation.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to a program reducing motor vehicle pollution by at least 26 percent and generating over $1.8 billion in Massachusetts by 2032.
The Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) would allow participants to invest in equitable, cleaner transportation options, and create new employment opportunities while substantially improving public health across the Commonwealth and New England.
“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,” Baked said. “That’s why I am proud to join Gov. Lamont, Gov. Raimondo, and Mayor Bowser to launch this trailblazing program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building the clean, resilient transportation system of the future.”
Baker said partnering with neighboring states yields more impact on climate change while creating jobs and growing the economy.
“My vision is for the District to be the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all our residents,” Bowser said. “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.”
The program is slated to begin in 2023 after a reporting year to allow additional jurisdictions to authorize participation.