Rep. Cotvriend leads effort to implement Transportation and Climate Initiative Program

Portsmouth Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. Alana M. DiMario are introducing legislation to implement the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) in Rhode Island.

In December, former Gov. Gina Raimondo, along with the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut and the mayor of Washington, D.C., signed a memorandum of understanding to join the bipartisan Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), which will cut greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles in the region by an estimated 26% from 2022 to 2032, generate a total of more than $3 billion dollars over 10 years for the participating jurisdictions to invest in equitable, less polluting transportation options and to help energize economic recovery.

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The bill has drawn support from a host of community and environmental groups, including Acadia Center, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Clean Water Action, Climate Action Rhode Island, Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Coalition for a Better Business Environment.

“Acadia Center applauds Rep. Cortvriend and Sen. DiMario for their leadership on the TEAM Community Act. This legislation is a critical first step to ‘Build Back Better’ in our transportation network and prepare for the future with long-term, sustainable funding of over $20 million per year. Automakers have announced a major shift towards electric vehicles; people are walking and bicycling at record levels; and, public transportation helps reduce traffic congestion and commuting costs for workers. Making strategic investments in clean mobility options will strengthen our economy, create good jobs, and deliver over $100 million in annual health benefits from cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Hank Webster, Rhode Island Director of Acadia Center, in a statement.

Read the full article in The Newport Daily News here