The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Program in Massachusetts: Legislation to Advance Transportation and Climate Justice

Massachusetts has an opportunity to deliver the clean air and improved transportation options that the Commonwealth’s residents and businesses deserve. Chronic underinvestment— both in marginalized communities and in alternatives to personal vehicles—has resulted in congested roads, inadequate public transit, and eighborhoods lacking access to economic opportunities. At the same time, the imported fossil fuels used to power vehicles remain the Commonwealth’s greatest contributor to climate change and a major source of air pollution. No single policy will fix these challenges overnight, but there are many bills that, together, will deliver meaningful progress towards transportation and climate justice. While this document focuses on the equitable implementation of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Program through SD.2317 filed by Senator Boncore and HD.3905 filed by Representative Blais (both titled An act relative to transportation and environmental justice), all of the following bills are critical to the equitable transformation and decarbonization of transportation.