Ada Recinos at ada.recinos@sierraclub.org (Pacific Time)
WASHINGTON, DC – The recent announcement by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to allocate $800 million under the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program is a significant step forward in our nation’s efforts to ‘buy clean.’ This funding, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will go to state, local, tribal governments to make use of low carbon construction materials in transportation projects. It will facilitate the transition to lower emissions technologies and materials — while providing everyday people with more sustainable transit options. Combined with the Environmental Protection Agency's "final determination," which will guide what products can be considered sustainable, this initiative ensures that taxpayer money is spent on promoting advanced, sustainable products made in the United States.
“This $800m US DOT allocation is not just an investment in our transportation infrastructure — it’s an investment in the health of our planet. The US government will now have the resources to figure out just how emissions intensive projects using fossil fuel-based materials are. Updating procurement processes to incorporate low-carbon materials is a forward-thinking approach,” shared Sierra Club Senior Campaign Advisor Yong Kwon. “This program ensures that state and local governments recognize and reward the innovations keeping the US at the forefront of climate leadership, while driving ongoing improvements in sustainable construction practices.”
“This funding opportunity is a vital component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader climate agenda. It represents a clear commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and creating a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system for future generations,” said Sierra Club Deputy Director for Industry Policy & Trade Harry Manin. “As we move forward, it is imperative that we support these efforts and continue to innovate in ways that protect our environment while building the infrastructure our country needs.”
By prioritizing the use of low-carbon materials in transportation projects, this program will help to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, particularly from materials like steel, concrete, glass, and asphalt. These are some of the most carbon-intensive materials used in our infrastructure, and finding cleaner alternatives will play a crucial role in lowering the environmental impact of our transportation sector.
This initiative also empowers a broader range of stakeholders to contribute to the fight against climate change by way of emissions reductions. By making these funds available to more entities, the Federal Highway Administration is ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon future is inclusive and widespread, allowing communities across the country to take meaningful action.
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.