New Policy Analysis Shows State Transportation Departments are Key to Climate Progress and Consumer Savings

An Unprecedented Network Emerges from Behind the Scenes to Keep Momentum Going on Transportation Reform in California

Today, the Clean RIDES Network – a new, unprecedented network of more than 100 organizations uniting to support state leaders in advancing clean transportation – released a report analyzing the climate and consumer benefits of key policies the network is advancing in seven states, including California.

“Californians know we can’t afford to keep widening freeways that worsen traffic and emissions through vulnerable communities and lock people into long, expensive driving commutes. We are collaborating with other state and national advocates through the Clean RIDES Network to increase state transportation investment in public transit, walking, and bicycling to give Californians safe, healthy and more affordable travel options.” - Jeanie Ward-Waller, Interim Director of ClimatePlan.

“Reducing Costs, Commuting, and Climate Pollution: State Solutions for Better Transportation” demonstrates that these policies could offset more than 2.25 gigatons of climate pollution by 2050, equivalent to the annual emissions of 596 coal-fired power plants. The report also shows that these reforms would save the average American household nearly $1,700 per year and reduce time spent in traffic by 28 hours per person annually.

“In California, we lead the nation in setting ambitious policy to address climate change and advance equity; however, Caltrans added 554 new lane-miles of freeway to our transportation system in the last five years,” said Jeanie Ward-Waller, Interim Director of ClimatePlan.

The Clean RIDES Network brings together national and local organizations spanning climate, transit, labor, business, housing, and public health to support state transportation leaders, particularly amid great uncertainty at the federal level. 

As the California state lead for the Clean RIDES Network, ClimatePlan is calling on the Legislature this year to increase funding for the state Active Transportation Program, which funds important walking and bicycling projects, by $400 million, and provide an additional $2B to increase the frequency and reliability of public transit service statewide. A January 2025 report by Caltrans demonstrates the need to shift state investment away from costly highway expansion–which has resulted in the demolition of over 600 homes and businesses in the last five years–toward affordable alternatives to driving that avoid worsening pollution and congestion.

Even as the federal government rolls back policies and rescinds funding for clean transportation, states hold the power to decide how transportation dollars are spent and what kind of infrastructure gets built – making their leadership more critical than ever.

“The Trump administration is trying to derail clean transportation projects, but states are in the driver’s seat when it comes to building cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable transportation options,” said Justin Balik, senior state program director at Evergreen Collaborative. “Governors and other state leaders have an opportunity to step up and direct transportation spending where it’s needed most – connecting communities, lowering costs for consumers, and cutting climate pollution.”  

The Clean RIDES Network is working with state departments of transportation to shift funds away from expanding highways and focus instead on maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in public transit, and making clean cars easier to afford and charge.

“Clean transportation is a key way to relieve pressure on Americans’ pocketbooks and uphold our country’s obligation to cut climate pollution – and we urge state leaders to keep the momentum going despite a hostile federal administration,” said Hana Creger, Associate Director of Climate Equity at The Greenlining Institute. “The Clean RIDES Network unites diverse constituencies across states because we all recognize that a clean, affordable transportation system is key to thriving communities and a strong economy – and we’re here to help state leaders deliver on those goals for the American people.”

State DOTs have long prioritized road expansion as the primary way to move people. However, with commute times worsening each year and car ownership ranking as the second largest expense for most Americans after housing, some state DOT leaders are rethinking this approach. Instead of spending millions on more roads, they recognize the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.

“Our outdated transportation system traps us in gridlock, while forcing us to shell out thousands on car payments,” said Carter Rubin, Director of State Transportation Advocacy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Americans are eager for more investment in fast trains, frequent buses, and safe sidewalks to improve our quality of life and make our communities vibrant places to live, work, and play.”

The Clean RIDES Network is initially focused on seven states – California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania – that are well-positioned to improve their transportation systems. Over the next five years, the network aims to expand to additional states and establish a blueprint for widespread adoption nationwide.

For more information about the Clean RIDES Network, visit: https://www.cleanridesnetwork.org.