John, 

In a time of division and election anxiety, take a moment to imagine reinvesting billions of dollars in communities and having residents be at the decision-making table. 

The good news is, you don’t have to imagine it. A regional transportation program across the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic can cut pollution and inequality too. The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) is just weeks away from finalizing an agreement that would put limits on transportation pollution, hold the biggest polluters accountable, and generate funds to build a clean transportation future. 

This collaboration can be part of a transformative economic recovery for our communities that have been left behind or overburdened with the harmful impacts of the dirty fuel economy. 

Now is the time to push for the strongest possible equity guardrails and guarantees that support the most disproportionately affected communities. Can you take a minute to urge Gov. Bowser to include 5 equity recommendations in the final agreement?

We’re getting closer to what we’ve been tirelessly advocating for. Recently, states announced they’re considering equity provisions in the policy design, including 35% of the funds dedicated to overburdened and underserved communities, establishing equity advisory committees with decision-making abilities, and requiring states to conduct annual reporting on equity metrics. With these commitments, TCI could potentially invest $2 billion in low-income communities and communities of color in the first year, reduce carbon and pollution emissions, and fund a healthier transportation system. But, these benefits aren’t final; we have to push for them! 

Now is the time for Gov. Bowser to show a real commitment to tackling pollution and advancing economic justice. 

Imagine expanded and improved public transit, affordable housing near transit hubs, increased electric trucks and buses, walking and biking infrastructure, and community programs led by community members with the worst air and transportation options. 

We’ve got limited time before states announce the final program details; take action today to make this program work for the communities that need it the most. 

Thanks for taking action,

the Dream Corps Green For All team