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9 states team up to reduce transportation CO2 emissions

Congested cars on a highway
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Nine Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are teaming up to cap and reduce carbon emissions from transportation in the region.

Why it matters: Cars, heavy trucks and other transport have surpassed electricity production as the largest source of U.S. emissions in recent years.

The big picture: The rough plan announced Tuesday is a stark new example of states pushing ahead with climate initiatives as the White House is dismantling federal policies.

  • EPA and the Transportation Department recently proposed plans to greatly pare back Obama-era vehicle mileage and emissions standards for the years 2021–2025.

Where it stands: The states are Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Washington, D.C., is on board, too.

But, but, but: The program design, including the emissions pricing mechanism, isn't yet clear. The states intend to create the specifics of the program over the next year.

  • They intend to funnel the revenues into "low-carbon and more resilient transportation infrastructure."
  • Their joint statement touts the benefits of public transit, transit-oriented development, zero-emission vehicles and more.
  • But the states did not lay out specific emissions-cutting or revenue goals.

Go deeper: State ballot measures on clean energy key to meeting UN climate goals

Carbon emissions