Support Reducing Climate Pollution from Transportation

The Maryland Transportation and Climate Alignment Act

Transportation continues to be the largest source of climate pollution in the state. Maryland’s future transportation projects must align with the state’s goals to cut climate pollution by 60% by 2031 and reduce the miles that residents have to travel, giving us more affordable, convenient options to reach jobs and daily activities.

To address this need, Maryland Delegate Mark Edelson (46th District) and Senator Clarence Lam (12th District) are sponsoring the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act (TCA) in the 2024 General Assembly (HB 836/SB 681). The legislation will help expand people’s transportation choices while reducing climate pollution. 

Update (3/28/24): the Maryland House passed the TCA on March 18 by an overwhelming majority, and the bill is awaiting action by the Senate.

  • The Transportation and Climate Alignment Act (TCA) would require the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and regional transportation planning agencies to measure and mitigate any increases in climate pollution and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) caused by proposed highway expansion projects over $10 million.

    Mitigation steps could include improving and expanding public transit, creating protected bike infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and locating jobs and amenities near where people live and near transit. This will help expand people’s transportation choices while reducing climate pollution.

    Colorado and Minnesota passed similar legislation in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Now Maryland has an opportunity to join this growing movement.

    Maryland’s new Climate Pollution Reduction Plan confirms that the state can’t meet its climate target without reducing VMT. The plan sets a goal to reduce per capita VMT 20% by 2050.

    The TCA is critical to achieving the state’s climate goals. It also strengthens Maryland’s commitment to the Federal Highway Administration's new requirement that state and regional transportation agencies set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

    • According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Realtors, 79% of U.S. residents said being within an easy walk of shops, parks, and other destinations is very/somewhat important and 65% said having public transit nearby is very/somewhat important.

    • A 2020 report by Transportation For America and Smart Growth America found that the climate benefits of more fuel efficient cars have been undermined by increases in driving. Overall, car and truck emissions grew by 22% from 1990 to 2017 despite improved fuel economy of America’s vehicle fleet.

    • According to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, Latinos and African Americans are exposed to 11% and 12% higher particulate matter pollution (fine particles that enter our lungs) from vehicles compared to the average Maryland resident.

    • Reduces climate and air pollution. Vehicles make up the largest source of climate pollution from the transportation sector in the state. Recent modeling commissioned by the Sierra Club found that vehicles on the road contribute to nearly 16% of ozone pollution. Strategies that help reduce vehicle trips will cut this pollution.

    • Makes smart use of limited infrastructure dollars. Investments in transit, walking, and biking that serve existing Maryland communities will reduce VMT and GHG and connect people to jobs. At a time when Maryland is facing transportation budget cuts, these investments are also more efficient than expensive new and wider highways and interchanges built for speculative development that fuel more traffic.

    • Saves consumers money. The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2023 Transit Savings report shows people who ride public transit instead of driving can save more than $13,000 a year, or $1,100 a month compared to driving.

    • Improves our health. A 2019 report by Rails to Trails found $20 billion nationwide annual health cost savings from increased physical activity when using active transportation (e.g., cycling, walking).

    • Create jobs. Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs. According to a study by the Political Economy Research Institute, bicycle-only projects created more jobs compared to road-only projects (11.41 jobs vs. 7.75 jobs per $1 million invested).

    • Increased safety. Traveling by public transit is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.

  • Groups supporting the TCA