An unprecedented network emerges from behind the scenes to keep momentum going on transportation reform in the states

Today, the Clean RIDES Network—a new, unprecedented network of more than 100 organizations uniting to support state leaders in advancing clean transportation—released a report analyzing the climate and consumer benefits of key policies the network is advancing in seven states.

“Reducing Costs, Commuting, and Climate Pollution: State Solutions for Better Transportation” demonstrates that these policies could offset more than 2.25 gigatons of climate pollution by 2050, equivalent to the annual emissions of 596 coal-fired power plants. The report also shows that these reforms would save the average American household nearly $1,700 per year and reduce time spent in traffic by 28 hours per person annually.

The Clean RIDES Network brings together national and local organizations spanning climate, transit, labor, business, housing, and public health to support state transportation leaders, particularly amid great uncertainty at the federal level. 

Even as the federal government rolls back policies and rescinds funding for clean transportation, states hold the power to decide how transportation dollars are spent and what kind of infrastructure gets built—making their leadership more critical than ever.

“The Trump administration is trying to derail clean transportation projects, but states are in the driver’s seat when it comes to building cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable transportation options,” said Justin Balik, vice president, states at Evergreen Collaborative. “Governors and other state leaders have an opportunity to step up and direct transportation spending where it’s needed most—connecting communities, lowering costs for consumers, and cutting climate pollution.”  

The Clean RIDES Network is working with state departments of transportation to shift funds away from expanding highways and focus instead on maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in public transit, and making clean cars easier to afford and charge.

“Clean transportation is a key way to relieve pressure on Americans’ pocketbooks and uphold our country’s obligation to cut climate pollution—and we urge state leaders to keep the momentum going despite a hostile federal administration,” said Hana Creger, Associate Director of Climate Equity at The Greenlining Institute. “The Clean RIDES Network unites diverse constituencies across states because we all recognize that a clean, affordable transportation system is key to thriving communities and a strong economy—and we’re here to help state leaders deliver on those goals for the American people.”

State DOTs have long prioritized road expansion as the primary way to move people. However, with commute times worsening each year and car ownership ranking as the second largest expense for most Americans after housing, some state DOT leaders are rethinking this approach. Instead of spending millions on more roads, they recognize the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.

“Our outdated transportation system traps us in gridlock, while forcing us to shell out thousands on car payments,” said Carter Rubin, Director of State Transportation Advocacy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Americans are eager for more investment in fast trains, frequent buses, and safe sidewalks to improve our quality of life and make our communities vibrant places to live, work, and play.”

The Clean RIDES Network is initially focused on seven states—California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania—that are well-positioned to improve their transportation systems. Over the next five years, the network aims to expand to additional states and establish a blueprint for widespread adoption nationwide.

For more information about the Clean RIDES Network, visit: https://www.cleanridesnetwork.org. 

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Quotes from State Partners:

California
“In California, we lead the nation in setting ambitious policy to address climate change and advance equity; however, Caltrans added 554 new lane-miles of freeway to our transportation system in the last five years,” said Jeanie Ward-Waller, Interim Director of ClimatePlan. “Californians know we can’t afford to keep widening freeways that worsen traffic and emissions through vulnerable communities and lock people into long, expensive driving commutes. We are collaborating with other state and national advocates through the Clean RIDES Network to increase state transportation investment in public transit, walking, and bicycling to give Californians safe, healthy, and more affordable travel options.”

Illinois
“Transportation can be a unifying issue—everyone needs to get where they need to go and wants to do so safely, affordably, and efficiently,” said Amy Rynell, Executive Director of Active Transportation Alliance. “Unfortunately, the forces of the status quo are singularly focused, building roads for vehicles. This is despite the continued growth in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in Illinois, the resulting pollution that harms human health, and the unaffordability of car ownership for so many households.  We have some of the worst congestion in the nation and our public transportation, a key solution, is heading towards a significant fiscal cliff, which will grind already struggling operations to a halt if not addressed comprehensively, pulling the mobility rug out from many thousands of households. We are excited to work with Clean RIDES to seize the opportunity to transform our transportation systems." 

Maryland
“In Maryland, transportation is the third largest category of spending by the state government after healthcare and education, but it’s one over which governors have tremendous discretion. It’s also the second largest cost to household budgets after housing,” said Brian O’Malley, President and CEO of Central Maryland Transportation Alliance. “Maryland could invest in transportation projects that stretch taxpayer dollars farther and give Maryland households more affordable options. We are excited to work with the Clean Rides Network and partners in Maryland to make sure that the state Department of Transportation is investing in the projects that will produce the best outcomes for Marylanders.”

Michigan
“Even in the Motor City, Michiganders want and need options for getting around that are affordable, safe, and sustainable,” said Megan Owens, Executive Director of Transportation Riders United. “With these Clean RIDES policies, the Michigan Department of Transportation can better prioritize projects that meet Michigan’s values while still fixing the damn roads.” 

Minnesota
“In Minnesota and across the country, our transportation system is unsustainable in human, environmental, and economic terms, failing to put people first by polluting our communities and costing people hard earned time and money,” said Joe Harrington, Policy Manager at Our Streets. “In this moment of federal uncertainty, Clean RIDES will play a pivotal role in supporting our state’s advocates and leaders to build on recent successes that have led to smart transportation policies and work to create vibrant, reconnected communities for all Minnesotans. Together, we can put transportation dollars to work solving our state’s biggest challenges.” 

“Everyone has the right to clean air, affordable communities, and access to jobs and education, and the Clean RIDES Network is creating tangible transportation change in our communities so that people of all backgrounds, ages, races, and abilities can thrive,” said Elissa Schufman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Move Minnesota. “Minnesotans know the value of protecting our environment and caring for our friends and neighbors. With state leaders holding the keys to progress on climate and affordability, we’re proud to partner with organizations and community members to fight for local and state clean transportation policies that will make our communities better for everyone.”

New York
"More than ever before, New York can't afford to throw good money after bad transportation policy," said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. "Clean RIDES policies can help Governor Hochul and legislative leaders reform our 49th-ranked state Department of Transportation and invest in better ways to get around and among New York's rural, suburban, and urban communities. With generations of deferred maintenance weighing on our ailing public transit infrastructure and no reliable federal partner, to put it mildly, the time is now."

Pennsylvania
“Pennsylvania’s transit systems are facing a death spiral, while state-of-good-repair lags mightily for roads, bridges, and transit,” said Connor Descheemaker, Statewide Campaign Manager for Transit for All PA. “Clean RIDES supports our comprehensive vision for resilient transportation in the state: reliable and dedicated operations funding, local enabling legislation for capital funding, and proper project prioritization for our Department of Transportation. Supported by national partnership, we are organizing locally with riders and workers to build the accessible, reliable transportation system Pennsylvanians need from Erie to Philadelphia, and everywhere in-between.”