On December 21, 2020, NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, joined several business groups and environmental groups to re-affirm their support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) and applaud the Baker-Polito Administration’s leadership in developing the landmark regional project. Below please find the accompanying joint press release.
Leading Massachusetts Business and Environmental Groups Join Together to Re-affirm Support for TCI, Applaud Governor Baker’s Leadership
A group of leading Massachusetts business and environmental organizations joined together today to re-affirm their endorsement of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) and applaud Governor Baker’s leadership in developing the landmark regional program designed to reduce pollution and upgrade the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Governor Baker was joined by leaders from Connecticut, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing them to TCI and a set of principles for implementing it. Many additional states also submitted a strong statement of support for continuing to work collaboratively to develop the TCI model rule.
TCI works by placing a regional cap on total pollution from tailpipe emissions. Companies that sell and distribute motor vehicle fuels in the participating states will purchase allowances based on emissions. Proceeds from the sale of allowances are sent back to the states, where they will be invested in clean transportation options. Transportation is the single-largest source of emissions in the Commonwealth.
“Although the pandemic and addressing the public health and economic fallout from it has to be our top priority, we cannot lose sight of Massachusetts’ long-term transportation and environmental goals. TCI is still an important collaboration for making progress on both that deserves our attention and support.” Says Eileen McAnneny, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
“Climate change and transportation infrastructure continue to be important issues for the state’s long-term competitiveness and key tools in addressing racial, health and other societal inequalities,” said JD Chesloff, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. “The potential of TCI to make progress in these areas is encouraging and we look forward to seeing additional details and working with stakeholders to help shape this initiative over the next few years.”
“Using a proven mechanism to protect our environment, grow our economy, and improve public health, TCI demonstrates that climate change need not be a partisan issue nor a point of contention between the business and environmental communities,” said Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “COVID-19 has highlighted the serious health consequences of pollution and poor air quality. We applaud Governor Baker for his early and effective leadership in making TCI a reality.”
“NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, recognizes that all sectors of the economy need to work together to reduce carbon emissions. TCI is an innovative tool that will have a measurable impact on the Commonwealth’s goal of net zero by 2050, while also creating a new mechanism for funding transportation infrastructure improvements, which are critical to our economic recovery and climate future,” said Tamara Small, CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Baker-Polito administration as well as a broad coalition of business and environmental groups as this advances.”
“We commend Governor Baker for his leadership moving TCI to this critical point in the development process. Major investors and companies have made it clear that they see TCI as a valuable tool to both tackle transportation emissions and revitalize state economies at a time when they need it most. We look forward to continued collaboration with the governor and his peers throughout the region to ensure the program is implemented in a way that benefits all communities, especially those who have suffered on the frontlines of vehicle pollution.” — Anne Kelly, Vice President of Government Affairs at Ceres.
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About Ceres Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and inequitable workplaces. Our mission: Ceres is transforming the economy to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.
About the Environmental League of Massachusetts The Environmental League of Massachusetts is committed to combating climate change and protecting our land, water, and public health. By creating diverse alliances and building the power of the environmental community, we use our collective influence to ensure Massachusetts is a leader in environmental and economic sustainability.
About the Massachusetts Business Roundtable The Massachusetts Business Roundtable (MBR) is a public policy organization comprised of Chief Executive Officers and Senior Executives from some of the state’s largest employers. MBR’s members employ more than 250,000 people in the Commonwealth.
About the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Founded in 1932, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) is widely recognized as the state’s premier public policy organization dealing with state and local fiscal, tax and economic policies. MTF’s record of high quality research and non-partisan analysis has earned the organization broad credibility on Beacon Hill and across the Commonwealth.
About NAIOP NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, represents the interests of more than 1700 members involved with the development, ownership, management, and financing of office, research & development, industrial, mixed use, multifamily, retail and institutional space throughout the Commonwealth.