Colorado is prioritizing transit over highway expansion to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a move that also has environmental justice implications.
Colorado canceled plans to widen Interstate 25 and redirected $100 million to transit projects.
The state’s Transportation Commission adopted a rule requiring new projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or risk losing funding.
Other states, like Minnesota, Maryland and New York, are considering similar legislation to follow Colorado's lead.
Key quote:
“We really regard the Colorado rule as the gold standard for how states should address transportation climate strategy.”
— Ben Holland, manager at RMI, a national sustainability nonprofit
Why this matters:
Reducing highway expansion in favor of transit investments is important in lowering transportation emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change and have disproportionately impacted communities of color. This shift not only aims to improve air quality but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing climate challenges. Read more: Black communities must lead the charge to repair harm from freeways.
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