Media Contact

Danielle Bell

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER FOR MEDIA RELATIONS

media@greenlining.org danielle.bell@greenlining.org

The Greenlining Institute joined 100+ organizations to co-launch the Clean RIDES Network, a coalition of national and local organizations spanning climate, transit, labor, business, housing, and public health to drive clean transportation efforts forward. The Network will support state transportation leaders to ensure transportation systems prioritize equity and sustainability, despite shifting priorities at the federal level.

With the launch of Clean RIDES, the Network released a new policy analysis “Reducing Costs, Commuting, and Climate Pollution: State Solutions for Better Transportation.” The analysis reveals that new transportation strategies and policies could: 

  1. Eliminate 2.25 gigatons of climate pollution by 2050 – equivalent to the annual emissions of 596 coal-fired power plants
  2. Save the average American household nearly $1,700 per year in transportation costs
  3. Reduce time spent in traffic by 28 hours per person annually

“Clean transportation is a key way to relieve pressure on Americans’ pocketbooks and uphold our country’s obligation to cut climate pollution—and we urge state leaders to keep the momentum going despite a hostile federal administration,” said Hana Creger, Associate Director of Climate Equity at The Greenlining Institute. “The Clean RIDES Network unites diverse constituencies across states because we all recognize that a clean, affordable transportation system is key to thriving communities and a strong economy—and we’re here to help state leaders deliver on those goals for the American people.”

The Clean RIDES Network is initially focused on seven states: California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. Over the next five years, the network aims to expand to additional states and establish a blueprint for widespread adoption nationwide.

Addressing the Burden of Inequitable Transportation Policies on California’s Communities of Color

Communities of color bear the worst consequences of freeway expansions, toxic air pollution, and underfunded public transit. Meanwhile, billions of transportation dollars continue to be funneled into projects that increase traffic and emissions instead of providing real solutions.

California has led the nation in climate policy, but when it comes to transportation, the state continues to repeat past mistakes that undermine our climate progress. In the last five years, Caltrans added 554 new lane-miles of freeway, fueling congestion and air pollution. A January 2025 report by Caltrans demonstrates the need to shift state investment away from costly highway expansion–which has resulted in the demolition of over 600 homes and businesses in the last five years–toward affordable alternatives to driving that avoid worsening pollution and congestion.

As part of the Clean RIDES Network, Greenlining will continue its work engaging state leaders to implement transportation solutions that address existing and past transportation inequities, while delivering tangible benefits to communities of color. 

For more information about the Clean RIDES Network, visit: https://www.cleanridesnetwork.org.