Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new coalition of over 100 organizations, the Clean RIDES Network just launched to support clean transportation at the state level. The Network brings together leaders working on climate, transit, labor, business, housing, and public health.
The Clean RIDES (Responsible Investments to Decrease Emissions in States) Network aims to reduce climate pollution through prioritizing clean transportation projects, boosting investments for public transportation and electric vehicles, and adopting land use policies.
With the launch, the coalition released a report that analyzes the climate and consumer benefits of key policies the Network is advancing in seven initial states: California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. Over the next five years, the Network aims to expand to additional states and establish a blueprint for widespread adoption nationwide.
The report shows that these reforms would save the average American household across these seven states nearly $1,700 per year and reduce time spent in traffic by 28 hours per person annually.
In response to the launch of the Clean RIDES Network, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine García released the following statement:
“State leaders have a major opportunity and responsibility to their residents right now to shift gears and advance progress in the midst of the federal attack on clean transportation policy and investments. Americans across the country deserve affordable, convenient, and pollution-free transportation options. No one wants to spend hours stuck in traffic, spend thousands on gas, or breathe in toxic tailpipe fumes as they walk or bike in their neighborhoods. We are looking at states to do their part to accelerate the adoption of electric cars, trucks, and buses by installing charging infrastructure and procurement of EVs in their fleets. This is the moment for states to act – shifting away from the expensive, polluting status quo to improve the health and well-being of their communities."
Background: The Clean RIDES Network brings together national and local organizations to support state leaders in advancing progress on clean transportation. Sierra Club is a member of Clean RIDES, and many Sierra Club chapters in the seven key states are currently working in coalition to shift state funds away from expanding highways and focus instead on maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in public transit, and making clean cars more affordable and convenient to drive and charge.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.