Connecticut Business, Public Health, and Environmental Advocates Make the Case for Joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative
August 25, 2021 /3BL Media/ - Connecticut advocates and businesses spotlighted their support for the Transportation & Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) at a virtual gathering today, urging state lawmakers to support legislation that will formalize the state’s participation in the groundbreaking program.
TCI-P is a first-of-its-kind, multi-state, bipartisan effort to reduce harmful pollution from cars and trucks, and increase investments in an equitable, modern, clean transportation system. It is expected to generate up to $89 million in annual revenue for Connecticut in the program’s first year, and as much as $117 million annually by 2032 to invest in transportation upgrades.
At today’s virtual event, representatives from American Lung Association in Connecticut, Chamber of Commerce Eastern Connecticut, DHL, JuiceBar EV Charging, R.A.C.C.E, and Siemens emphasized that TCI-P will benefit the Connecticut economy and public health, and give the state a competitive edge by positioning it at the forefront of technological innovation in the transportation industry.
“DHL is fully committed to a zero-emission fleet, and we strongly support state and regional policies like TCI-P that will clean up the roads and highways that our business depends on,” said Bruce Marsh, director of corporate policy at DHL. “Connecticut can be a leader in shaping our clean transportation future, and we strongly encourage the General Assembly to take decisive action by formalizing the state’s participation in the Program.”
“TCI-P presents a massive economic opportunity for Connecticut,” said Paul Vosper, President & CEO of JuiceBar, a Connecticut-based manufacturer of electric vehicle chargers. “By approving TCI-P, the General Assembly has the opportunity to spark Connecticut’s clean transportation industry and the resulting wave of innovation, jobs, and economic development. This policy will benefit the entire state and put Connecticut in a leadership position in the transition to a carbon- and emissions-free transportation system”.
“The transportation sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas, and as a company that has worked in this sector for its entire history and has our own transportation footprint, Siemens is committed to continue investing in clean vehicle solutions,” said Ryan Dalton, director of external affairs, Siemens USA. “That’s why we also support the Transportation and Climate Initiative which will help build a more equitable, clean transportation system while also bringing new jobs and economic growth to the region.”
TCI will allow Connecticut to invest in transportation solutions that expand and improve public transit, ease traffic and congestion, increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and reduce emissions by transitioning buses and trucks to electric. These investments will unlock economic development opportunities for the state, create new jobs, and attract forward-thinking businesses and supply chain industries, while benefiting communities that are most affected by transportation-related pollution.
“The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report finds that Connecticut has some of the worst air quality in the eastern half of the country,” said Ruth Canovi, director of advocacy at the American Lung Association in Connecticut. “The commitments outlined within TCI-P to invest in communities that have disproportionately shouldered the burdens of air pollution are critical for ensuring health equity and the right for everyone to breathe clean air. We urge the General Assembly to take up TCI-P to protect our health and lead in this effort to clean up our air.”
“Connecticut has a clear opportunity with TCI-P to further combat climate change by passing legislative remedies embedded in it.” saif Michaela Barratt, youth organizer at R.A.C.C.E. “Any TCI-P enabling legislation must include increased agency commitments to share decision-making power with the BIPOC community to prevent the pre-existing disparities regarding access to clean air, affordable transit, and access to high-quality jobs in Connecticut from worsening."
"Across Connecticut, traffic congestion is frustrating workers, slowing vendors, and hurting our economy," said Tony Sheridan, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. "We strongly urge lawmakers to approve TCI-P and help us build a modern and efficient transportation system that will drive Connecticut forward."
Support for TCI extends beyond the Connecticut business community: seven in 10 Connecticut voters support the program as a way to grow good-paying jobs and rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to polling completed early this year. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has also announced his commitment to the program.
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