States Advocate for Funding Boost to Transit and Bike Projects Amid Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts

Hundreds of bicycle advocates gathered at an annual summit in Washington, D.C. recently when a surprising email buzzed through at breakfast. President Trump’s transportation department had just stopped federal funding for bike lanes. This decision puts a spotlight on the growing collaboration among several states to push for eco-friendly transportation, even when federal support fades.

Seven states—California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania—formed the Clean Rides Network. Their goal is to promote green transport initiatives and counteract what they see as a retreat from federal support. Justin Balik from Evergreen Action explained that investing in an eco-friendly transport system is crucial, especially now. He believes state transportation departments will be key players in climate advocacy.

In Colorado, even though it isn’t one of the founding states of this network, a significant policy was adopted that could influence others. In 2021, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis initiated an impressive commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The policy requires that any new highway project must be matched with alternative projects that reduce traffic and environmental impact. This approach has already led to the cancellation of two major highway expansions, according to Matt Frommer, who is part of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.

Thanks to these changes, Colorado has used its resources to enhance an intercity bus service, which is gaining popularity among both city dwellers and tourists. This shift in focus aligns with the $1.1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law that President Biden signed into action, which aims to promote diverse transportation options. Furthermore, the city of Denver recently secured a $150 million federal grant to develop a new rapid transit bus line, showcasing a growing emphasis on sustainable transport solutions.

Minnesota is following Colorado’s example by enacting a law to offset greenhouse emissions from transportation projects. Maryland is on the verge of implementing a similar regulation, with Senator Shelly Hettleman expressing optimism about its final approval. She has highlighted that the economic benefits could be substantial—up to $40 billion in savings related to air quality, road safety, and less congestion, according to a Colorado study.

However, these proposals aren’t universally welcomed. In Illinois, road and construction advocates have raised concerns that such legislation might delay necessary infrastructure repairs. Mike Sturino of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association argues that the safety of commuters could be compromised if these measures are prioritized over urgent repairs.

While most states involved in the Clean Rides Network are led by Democrats, there’s interest even among conservative states. Economic worries are driving many residents’ concerns about transportation costs. As Miguel Moravec from the climate think tank RMI pointed out, driving expenses have skyrocketed.

Other states are also exploring unique transportation strategies. Virginia has introduced a method to evaluate transportation projects based on multiple criteria, including safety and environmental impact. Utah has embarked on an ambitious transit plan, while Montana has made strides in urban planning to encourage walkable communities.

Muhammed Patel from the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasized the autonomy that states have over their transportation policies. “There’s a flexibility inherently built in,” he noted, which allows for tailored approaches to address their unique challenges. This adaptability is crucial as states navigate the future of transportation amid changing federal support and growing environmental concerns.

The Clean Rides Network represents a vital effort to rethink transportation in America. As states respond to challenges and opportunities, their actions could shape the future for sustainable transit solutions nationwide.



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