States on the East and West coasts are leading the way in reducing emissions from transportation systems, according to a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council. The report evaluated states based on their efforts to balance transportation needs with climate and equity considerations.
The report highlighted the progress made by states such as Vermont, California, Oregon, and Washington in areas such as smart growth policies and the construction of electric vehicle chargers. These states earned high marks for their investments in non-roadway expansion spending, smart growth policies, and EV fast-charge infrastructure.
In contrast, states in the Southeast and Midwest were found to lag behind their coastal counterparts on most measures. However, there were some surprises, with states like Oklahoma performing well in certain areas.
The findings of the report underscore the crucial role that states play in shaping transportation systems, especially in light of the federal government’s retreat on climate policy. States are primarily responsible for building roads and other transit infrastructure, making their actions vital in the fight against climate change.
As part of the evaluation, states were assessed on their progress in electrification, use of mass transit, implementation of alternative transportation options like bike lanes and sidewalks, and efforts to meet emissions reduction goals. The report also considered how states addressed emissions from building materials and their approach to maintaining versus expanding transportation infrastructure.
Vermont emerged as the top-performing state, followed by a cluster of states in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the West Coast. On the other hand, Texas, known for its focus on freeways at the expense of other forms of transportation, scored the lowest. States in the Southeast and Midwest dominated the bottom 10 rankings.
Despite these disparities, some Midwestern states were commended for their maintenance efforts, while Oklahoma stood out for reducing vehicle miles traveled. Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of state-level action in creating transportation systems that are sustainable and equitable for all residents.
The NRDC’s report serves as a reminder of the critical role that states play in combating climate change and shaping the future of transportation. By prioritizing investments in clean and efficient transportation infrastructure, states can lead the way towards a more sustainable future for all.
