File photo
Trucks

Northeastern states join to develop system to reduce transport emissions

Dec. 21, 2018
Pact includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

A group of northeastern states has agreed to develop a new cap-and-trade system aimed at cutting carbon emissions from the transportation sector. 

In the coming year, they will design a regional low-carbon transportation proposal through a "cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism." Each jurisdiction would then decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.

This pact includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Notably, it does not include New York, New Hampshire, or Maine, though these three states are also part of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). The states still could become part of the cap-and-trade system once it is created.

Proceeds from the program would then be invested into low-carbon and more resilient transportation infrastructure. The group said it aims to create consistency across jurisdictional boundaries and the levels at which to cap emissions.

"I am confident this will put us on a path to not only decarbonize our transportation networks, but significantly improve them as well,” said Connecticiut Gov, Dannel P. Malloy. 

“In the absence of an effective national strategy on climate change, states must innovate and lead to protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of our people, communities, and businesses,” said Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo
 
Cap-and-trade proposal have drawn significant opposition in recent years. In response, the group said it will look for parternships between government and private enterprise and “ensure that the benefits and burdens of both the pricing mechanism and investments are shared equitably across communities.”

This announcement comes just days after California approved a measure requiring public transit agencies in the state to transition to 100% zero-emission buses by 2040. This could further help the development of all-electric commercial vehicles in the coming years, though there remain a number of hurdles to overcome.

About the Author

Neil Abt

Neil Abt is a former FleetOwner editor who wrote for the publication from 2017 to 2020. He was editorial director from 2018 to 2020.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Join us on February 18th to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.