Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is asking the Division of Statewide Planning to revise its draft State Transportation Improvement Plan [[ STIP ]] to better comply with the state's Act on Climate.
“The Act on Climate isn’t optional, it’s the law,” said Attorney General Neronha. “And right now, state leaders continue to fail to take meaningful steps towards fulfilling our obligations to the goals set forth in the Act on Climate, thereby failing our residents and our environment. The progress we make within the transportation sector is of the utmost importance because transportation accounts for nearly 40% of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions. That said, the current draft of this Plan does not go far enough, not by a long shot. The Plan must align with Act on Climate compliance, it must include goals and projects that meaningfully reduce emissions, and it must attempt to measure the impact of these projects in reducing emissions. Indeed, cutting RIPTA funding and burying our heads in the sand will further exacerbate our problems. It is my hope that state leadership steps up to meet the moment, and incorporating our recommendations for the Plan is a good start.”
Neronha says the plan must include goals and projects that reduce emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
He says STIP should also try to find funding for projects that promote public transportation and alternative modes of transit.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images