Connecticut Needs a Cleaner, More Equitable Transportation System

Image by Alexander Grishin from Pixabay

Tell lawmakers in Hartford to cut transportation emissions that harm our health and contribute to climate change!

The impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent in Connecticut and across the globe. Climate change is increasing the severity of hurricanes, drought, heat-related deaths and illnesses, and causing rising sea levels that inundate our coastal communities. Without immediate action, climate change will cause devastating effects on Connecticut’s infrastructure, economy, public health, and way of life.

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Connecticut, accounting for roughly 38% of GHG emissions generated in our state. We cannot address the climate crisis without cutting pollution from the transportation sector!

Transportation Emissions Threaten Public Health in CT:

• CT ranks as the 10th worst state for smog, which can cause premature death, aggravated asthma, and increased respiratory symptoms.

• CT’s asthma rate is worse than the national average: 11% of children and 10.5% of adults have asthma in CT.

• Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating these health risks, by increasing smog and prolonging dangerous air conditions.

• Tailpipe emissions led to an estimated 367 premature deaths in CT in one year.

CT Must Take Action to Slash Emissions from the Transportation Sector 

Under the proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), CT would cap carbon pollution from transportation fuels and invest in our communities to provide better, cleaner, and safer transportation options. In less than a decade, TCI-P will guarantee at least a 26% reduction in carbon emissions from transportation. The TCI-P would also require oil companies to pay for the pollution their products cause, which will allow for needed investments in a clean transportation and public health improvements. A minimum of 50% of revenue will be invested in communities that are overburdened by air pollution or underserved by the transportation system. Projects that the TCI program include, but are not limited to:

✔︎ Improving/expanding public transit in urban, suburban, and rural areas

✔︎ Converting school and transit buses and diesel truck fleets to cleaner electric models

✔︎ Promoting safer, more bike-friendly and walkable communities

✔︎ Providing rebates to make electric vehicles more affordable

✔︎ Expanding EV charging infrastructure

✔︎ Expanding local air quality monitoring

Email your State Legislators and Governor Lamont today and tell them it’s time to take action on climate change, by supporting TCI during the upcoming legislative session

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE