Transportation and Climate Alignment Act

The Transportation and Climate Alignment Act (TCA) would:

• Fund public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, transit oriented development, and solar energy on MDOT property or other projects to offset pollution from new highway expansion projects over $100 million. The investments must be prioritized in overburdened and underserved communities impacted by the project. Highway maintenance projects and highway projects funded for construction or that have a completed environmental review process prior to July 2025 would be exempt from this process.

• Create accountability and transparency about projects that increase pollution and commuter costs by calculating the greenhouse gas emissions from all the major capital transportation projects in the state budget and investing in a greater mix of transit, walking, biking, and other clean transportation projects to offset increased carbon pollution and align the budget with the state’s climate goals. 

• Colorado and Minnesota passed legislation similar to the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act in 2021 and 2023, respectively. In Colorado, the legislation shifted investment into 5 new Bus Rapid Transit Corridors and other clean transportation choices. The state projects that this policy will save commuters $40 billion by 2050.  

• According to a 2025 poll conducted by Gonzales Research & Media, 78% of Marylanders say they support investing in more public transit, plus walking and biking infrastructure, to offset pollution caused by highway expansion projects that increase driving.

Saves households time and money: The average Maryland household would save over $3,000 a year from the build out of new, affordable transportation choices, like more transit, walking, and biking and shorter automobile trips. These new options would save each Maryland resident from 26 hours of traffic per year on average.

Equitable access to opportunities:  Every Marylander should have affordable and reliable access to jobs, housing, education, food, healthcare, and recreation no matter where they live. It is critical that populations with less access to vehicles, especially Black and Brown communities, low-income communities, people with disabilities, students, and seniors have better mobility options. Only 7.5% of jobs in the Baltimore region are accessible within one hour by public transit.

Reduces climate and air pollution: Vehicles make up the largest source of climate and health-damaging air pollution from transportation in Maryland and are a major contributor to ozone pollution. The state’s climate plan includes a goal to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) 20% by 2050, which RMI finds would reduce climate pollution by 55 Million Metric Tons (the same as preventing the annual emissions of over 130 methane gas power plants). Governor Moore's executive order on climate change required the state to invest in measures that reduce VMT.  

Improves our health: A report by Rails to Trails Conservancy found that the health savings from increased physical activity due to active transportation (e.g., cycling, walking) is $20 billion annually.

Increased safety: Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by car. If Maryland were to meet its goals to reduce VMT 20% by 2050, it would reduce automobile crashes in Maryland and prevent on average 171 crash fatalities per year in Maryland.

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).

• Fact sheet

• Transportation and Climate Alignment Act Kickoff Recording

• Overwhelming majority of Maryland Voters support more state investments in public transit, walking, and biking poll shows

• Press Statement: Major Transit and Budget Transparency Bills Stall on Last Day of Session

• Commentary: The way we plan highway projects overlooks health. We can fix it.

• Commentary: Sierra Club poll finds wide support for more transit, walking and biking investments

• Press Release House passes the TCA, Mar. 22, 2024

• Background articles on transportation and climate change in Maryland

  • Drive Less, Live More: How States Can Lead the Way in Climate-Smart Transportation

  • Commentary: Transportation budget should better reflect Moore administration and legislature’s priorities

  • Here’s what it will take for Greater Washington to cut climate pollution from cars and trucks fast enough

  • Induced Demand: An Overview for Metro DC

  • Commentary: Time to address environmental impact of highway expansion