As we continue to witness the inaction of the federal government regarding the crisis of climate change, we are extremely heartened to see states taking the lead. Yesterday, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic governors and the mayor of Washington, DC, made an announcement committing the states and DC to a proactive, regional policy to tackle transportation pollution.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the coalition's initiative “will reduce emissions from transportation while funding much needed solutions to build a clean, equitable, modern transportation future.”

The Union of Concerned Scientists goes on to say, "Transportation is the largest source of global warming emissions in the country, and in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, contributes more than 40 percent of overall climate emissions. Cars and trucks are also a major contributor to air pollution, which leads to respiratory illnesses and even premature deaths. By taking this important step, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have demonstrated that progress toward a clean transportation and clean air future is possible." 

Working together, state by state, city by city, town by town, we can reduce the catastrophic consequences of climate change and work towards a just, sustainable future!

Coalition of States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, D.C

Please thank your Governor here!!

Go here to read UCS President Ken Kimmel's post on this promising development.

NOTE: New York State has not yet signed on. If you are a New York resident, please urge Governor Cuomo to sign on to this important initiative.