“California’s Climate Goals at Risk: Why Investing in Highways Over Active Transportation is a Mistake”

California is known for its ambitious climate goals, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and reduce gas consumption by 94% by 2045. However, the state is facing a budget shortfall of about $45 billion, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to propose shifting $600 million from the Active Transportation Program, which promotes biking and walking, towards future highway projects.

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California, with passenger vehicles being the main contributor. Despite this, the state government spends a significant portion of its transportation budget on highway projects that actually increase greenhouse gas emissions and worsen traffic congestion.

The California Department of Transportation receives $18 billion annually, with a large portion going towards widening highways. This short-term strategy has been shown to exacerbate traffic congestion and contribute to increased emissions. The state’s most climate-friendly transportation initiative, the Active Transportation Program, which funds bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements, is facing cuts despite being oversubscribed and in high demand.

Investing in climate-friendly transportation options such as mass transit, biking, and walking is crucial to achieving California’s climate goals and building safer streets. However, the continued focus on highway expansion projects goes against these goals and undermines efforts to combat climate change.

The Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, led by climate champion Sen. Scott Wiener, may reject the proposed cuts to the Active Transportation Program. It will be essential for Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Budget, to also support preserving funding for climate-friendly transportation initiatives.

As Pope Francis recently warned about the dangers of climate change, California must prioritize sustainable transportation options to avoid further harm to the environment. The state’s current focus on highway expansion projects is counterproductive and goes against the urgent need to reduce emissions and combat climate change.