Dear Governor Brown:
We the undersigned ___ organizations are writing to provide comments on the state of California’s Draft Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds Investment Plan and to support investment in active transportation. We congratulate the state on getting to the point of making revenue decisions which strive to reach the state’s goals under AB32.
We have reviewed the Air Resources Board Draft Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2013-14 through 2015-16 and understand that you will be making recommendations on financing for the May budget revise. As 38% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector and 70% of revenue is estimated to eventually be generated from transportation-related fuels, we understand that the state will be directing a significant portion of auction proceeds to reducing emissions from transportation sources.
For those cap-and-trade funds that are invested in transportation emissions reduction, we respectfully request that the state of California direct 15% of that transportation-related revenue to active transportation. Active transportation refers to projects and programs that support walking and bicycling, including Safe Routes to School, the Bicycle Transportation Account, and the Pedestrian Transportation Account.
In addition, we applaud the identification in the Draft Investment Plan of existing state policies and programs that contain strategies to reduce GHG emissions. In line with the Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Implementation Action Plan, all roadway investments of cap-and-trade auction proceeds should include complete streets elements. The allocation of cap-and-trade funds should also align with state goals called out in the OPR Environmental Goals and Policy Report.
Walking and bicycling already represent 15 percent of trips in California, and the potential for more trips by foot or bike is significant. Approximately 50 percent of all transportation trips in California are under 3 miles, and 60 percent of trips less than one mile are currently auto trips. These can easily be accomplished by walking or bicycling, given safe and accessible infrastructure. 80 percent of transit trips statewide begin and end with a walking or bicycling trip.
Several studies of urban areas have shown that significant investments in active transportation networks could achieve between 8-14.5 percent reductions in GHG emissions, in addition to significant co-benefits to public health. 23 percent of serious roadway injuries and fatalities statewide involve a bicyclist or pedestrian. Injury and fatality risk to pedestrians and bicyclists is concentrated in disadvantaged communities. These communities are also burdened with the highest rates of chronic illnesses related to inactivity, as well as with high risk of crime and lack of personal safety.
There is great opportunity to increase the trips made by walking and bicycling, and shift trips by private vehicles, with targeted investments in improved infrastructure and program investments that enable safe access to transit, homes, schools and downtowns. We urge you to dedicate a significant percentage of the transportation-related cap-and-trade auction proceeds to active transportation.
Thank you for your consideration.
