CLF Statement: MassDOT’s GreenDOT Initiative is a Step in the Right Direction

CONTACT:
Karen Wood, CLF, (617) 850-1722, or kwood@clf.org
Rafael Mares, CLF, (617) 850-1739, or rmares@clf.org

BOSTON, MA  June 3, 2010 — In response to MassDOT’s announcement Wednesday regarding the launch of its GreenDOT initiative, Conservation Law Foundation issued the following statement:

“MassDOT’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector by 7.3 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 is a critical step toward reaching the state’s short and long term climate goals,” said CLF staff attorney Rafael Mares. “The transportation sector contributes more than a third of all Massachusetts’ GHG emissions. We applaud MassDOT’s nation-leading efforts to look across the entire sector for innovative ways to reduce GHG emissions, including offsetting the state’s investments in highways with more public transportation options and smart growth development that encourages healthy alternatives to driving.  However,  if we are to meet the GHG reduction target of 80 percent below 1990 levels mandated in the Global Warming Solutions Act, we will need to focus on reducing emissions from cars, not only by pursuing cleaner car standards and alternative fuels, but by putting bold measures in place to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled.”