New Polling Confirms Strong Support across Eastern Region for Transportation Modernization

(Our Transportation Future) Two-Thirds of Registered Voters Support Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Distributors Paying for Pollution; Survey Covers Seven States in Region: CT, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA and VA. -- A new survey from MassINC Polling Group shows that 66 percent of voters in seven Eastern states (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia) support modernizing the region’s transportation network. Specifically, two out of three registered voters overall support the idea that companies distributing gasoline and diesel fuel should pay for the pollution they create, with the proceeds being available to states “to make transportation … better, cleaner and more resilient to the effects of climate change.” The MassINC Polling Group survey was conducted November 12-19, 2019 among 6,395 registered voters.

The seven states included in the survey are members of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) – a coalition of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C. working to develop a regional policy to better provide cleaner transportation options for residents of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Below are responses to the MassINC survey from members of Our Transportation Future – a coalition of 64 leading environmental, scientific, transportation, health, and business organizations advocating in support of TCI.

"New Yorkers agree that improving our transportation system goes hand-in-hand with fighting climate change. An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers support joining TCI to reduce transportation emissions - the state's biggest contributor to climate change - and making investments in mass transit like the MTA." -- Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters.

"Governor Baker has been leading the multi-state, bipartisan effort known as the Transportation & Climate Initiative. Today’s poll results make clear that Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly support this policy and the modernized infrastructure and cleaner air that it will bring. This program isn’t just popular, it is sound, sensible public policy." -- Chris Dempsey, director, Transportation for Massachusetts.

“The Transport Hartford Academy is not surprised to see that 69% of Connecticut respondents supported the Transportation & Climate Initiative approach. In this poll, 76% of residents supported improved transit and 73% supported complete streets that provide safe alternatives to driving. Connecticut residents are clamoring for a more sustainable transportation system.” -- Anthony Cherolis, coordinator, Transport Hartford, Center for Latino Progress.

“Transportation is the lifeblood of communities across the region and the linchpin in their advancement. It has never been more vital for states to think and act boldly when it comes to reimagining their transportation futures. From Massachusetts to Virginia, voters recognize the urgency and support a better, cleaner and more resilient transportation system. Our communities are deserving, and without question, our states should lead and deliver.” -- Bruce Ho, senior advocate, Climate & Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“The scientific evidence is clear: we must cut emissions to fight climate change. People across the region recognize the importance and urgency of this issue, and it’s clear that there’s no solution to the climate crisis without reducing emissions from transportation. Let’s put science into action and build a clean, modern transportation system that works for everyone.” -- Daniel Gatti, senior policy analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists.

"TCI presents a valuable opportunity to both mitigate the impacts of climate change and drive economic growth in communities throughout the region. It's clear both businesses and the public want a modernized, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that allows people to easily get to work." -- Alli Gold Roberts, director of state policy, Ceres.

“The poll shows that people across the region want proactive leadership to address our transportation and climate challenges. We need bold solutions to make the shift to a clean transportation future, and an ambitious TCI program can jumpstart that transition.” -- Jordan Stutt, carbon programs director, Acadia Center.

"People across the Northeast are ready to shift away from the status quo of our ineffective, outdated and polluting transportation. Expanding access to electric vehicles, public transit, and walkable and bikeable communities will save lives, create new jobs, and help people get where they're going faster." -- Mark Kresowik, regional deputy director, Sierra Club.

“The people have spoken – we need affordable, clean, efficient, equitable, and safe transportation options for all people of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The Transportation and Climate Initiative can help make that vision a reality.” -- Jonah Kurman-Faber, senior research associate, Climate XChange

Our Transportation Future is a coalition of local, regional, and national organizations committed to modernizing transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. OTF is focused on improving our transportation system -- the ways we move people and goods in the region – to spur economic growth, make us healthier and safer, clean up the environment, and improve our quality of life. An improved transportation system means more clean cars and trucks, more reliable mass transit, more walkable and bikeable communities, and investments that connect everyone, including those in underserved and rural areas.

OTF members include: A Better City, Acadia Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Center for Sustainable Energy, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, Ceres, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Clean Air Council, Clean Water Action, Climate Law and Policy Project, Climate XChange, Connecticut Fund for the Environment / Save the Sound, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, ConnPIRG, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), Energize Maryland, Environment America, Environment Connecticut, Environment Massachusetts, Environment Maryland, Environment Maine, Environment New Hampshire, Environment New Jersey, Environment New York, Environment Rhode Island, Environment Virginia, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Greater Prince William Climate Action Network, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Green For All, Health Care Without Harm, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Maine Conservation Voters, Maryland PIRG, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Public Health Association, MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, MassPIRG, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), The Nature Conservancy, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Sustainable Business Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, NJPIRG, Northeast Clean Energy Council, PennEnvironment, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, Rail Passengers Association, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Sierra Club, Transport Hartford Academy at the Center for Latino Progress, Transportation for America, Transportation for Massachusetts, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Union of Concerned Scientists, U.S. PIRG, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and 350 MASS for A Better Future.