Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in Maryland. It is also the second largest expense for most Americans after housing. The Transportation and Climate Alignment Act (TCA) would encourage state investment in public transit, walking, and biking infrastructure to reduce tailpipe pollution and give Marylanders more safe and affordable options to get to work, school, healthcare, and other locations. TCA is sponsored by Delegate Edelson (HB 437) and Senator Hettleman (SB59).
The bill would create more accountability and transparency for the state’s transportation infrastructure budget. It would require the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to evaluate the climate pollution from all the major capital projects in the state's transportation budget and develop additional clean transportation projects, if necessary, to cut greenhouse gas emissions emissions. The legislation would also require that new major highway expansion projects over $100 million are designed to offset pollution by funding public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure along with the project. These investments must be prioritized in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.
Maryland’s 2023 Climate Pollution Reduction Plan indicated that reducing vehicle traffic, measured as vehicle miles traveled (VMT), by investing in public transit, transit-oriented development, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure is necessary for the state to meet its climate targets. The Plan includes a goal to reduce per capita VMT 20% by 2050, which the Rocky Mountain Institute finds would reduce climate pollution by 55 million metric tons (the same as preventing the annual emissions of over 130 methane gas power plants). Vehicle pollution is a major contributor to the formation of ground level ozone. This pollution can aggravate lung diseases and increase the frequency of asthma attacks.
When the state plans new highway capacity expansion projects it is important that the impacts on our climate and public health are addressed.
