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David Smedick, David.Smedick@mdsierra.org 443-789-4536
Maryland lawmakers introduce bill to modernize transportation & cut vehicle pollution
General Assembly bill would affirm Governor Hogan’s decision for Maryland to participate in a multi-state transportation climate initiative
Annapolis, MD - Today, Delegate Marc Korman and Senator Clarence Lam introduced the Regional Transportation and Climate Protection Act of 2019. The legislation would allow Maryland to join a multi-state agreement to limit and reduce climate pollution from the transportation sector.
This bill comes after Governor Hogan joined with the Governors of eight other states, (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia) and Washington D.C. last month to announce their intent to design the details of a regional transportation program by 2019. These member states are part of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional collaboration focused on reducing pollution from the transportation sector and investing in clean transportation systems like public transit, electric vehicles, and biking and walking infrastructure.
“This legislation ensures that Maryland remains at the table to discuss initiatives to reduce emissions from the transportation sector alongside other states. With the support of the General Assembly, Maryland can take an important step towards safeguarding our climate,” said Delegate Marc Korman, District 16.
The transportation sector is now the number one source of carbon pollution in the state and a major contributor to air pollution associated with increased risk of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.
“As a public health physician, I recognize the significant role that emissions from the transportation sector can have on the environment and our health. This bill will help Maryland work with our neighboring states to reduce the impact of transportation on climate change and our environment,” said Senator Clarence Lam, District 12.
"This legislation is an exciting next step for Maryland as we work with other states to address the massive pollution problem we have in the transportation sector," said Josh Tulkin, Director of the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter. "Our experience with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative shows that interstate cooperatives and pollution-reduction programs can work. This legislation from Delegate Korman and Senator Lam complements Governor Hogan's December announcement and demonstrates the General Assembly's commitment to reducing climate-disrupting pollution and meeting our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Targets.”
“We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them. It’s important for Maryland to be at the table figuring out how we create a modern transportation system that keeps us and our environment healthy,” - Brian O’Malley, President & CEO, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance
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About the Sierra Club
Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. The Maryland Chapter has over 70,000 members and supporters, and the Sierra Club nationwide has approximately 800,000 members.