Rhode Island Listening Sessions for Clean Transportation Are “Positive Step” in Commitment to Regional Policy
Acadia Center, Ceres, NRDC, Sierra Club, and Union of Concerned Scientists See Leadership Opportunity at First Listening Session after Bonn Pledge to Develop Clean Transportation
PROVIDENCE, RI (Media Advisory) — Leading environmental, scientific and business organizations working to advance modern, clean and low-carbon transportation are hopeful that upcoming listening sessions will lead to the development of much-needed transportation policy. Rhode Island and other states across the region (Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and the District of Columbia) are initiating a series of public listening sessions on transportation and climate issues, seeking public input on the solutions that can implemented to improve and modernize the transportation system. Two listening sessions in Rhode Island will kick things off on April 3rd and 4th, 2018, in Newport and Providence, respectively. For details, go to: http://climatechange.ri.gov/state-actions/listening-sessions.php.
In November, the seven states and Washington, D.C., pledged to explore regional policies to reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector. The Rhode Island listening sessions for clean transportation will provide a launching pad for discussion of current challenges as well as an opportunity to propose policies that will reduce air pollution generated by cars and trucks while building an equitable transportation network that better serves all of Rhode Island’s residents.
At the listening sessions, policymakers, business leaders and others will discuss solutions to the challenges that lay ahead, including: new infrastructure for electric vehicles; better public transportation, including zero-emission bus service; and programs to ensure low-income and underserved communities have access to transportation options that are affordable, convenient, and non-polluting.
Similar listening sessions were held in Massachusetts last fall, and additional state and regional sessions will follow.
ABOUT THE GROUPS
Leading environmental, scientific and business organizations, including Acadia Center, Ceres, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists are working together to advance modern, efficient, and clean low-carbon transportation solutions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The groups are focused on improving our transportation system — the ways we move people and goods in the region — to spur economic growth, make us healthier and safer, clean up the environment, and improve our quality of life. An improved transportation system means more clean cars and trucks, more reliable mass transit, more walkable and bikeable communities, and investments that connect everyone, including those in underserved and rural areas.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pat Mitchell, (703) 276-3266 or pmitchell@hastingsgroup.com