California Environmental Leaders Call on State Agencies to Prioritize Multimodal Transportation

Even before President Trump took office, California was not meeting its emissions reduction goals.

1 minute read

January 27, 2025, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Bird's eye view of moderately busy large freeway interchange in California.

MyCreative / Adobe Stock

California environmental leaders are calling on state agencies to prioritize investing in active transportation and public transit, particularly as the new administration works to dismantle environmental protections and discourage the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy, writes Damien Newton in Streetsblog California.

In a letter to the California Transportation Commission, California Air Resources Board, Caltrans, and the Department of Housing and Community Development, the group of advocates notes that “California still controls how the state spends its own transportation dollars, and thus is responsible for meeting its own Climate goals.”

Regardless of the federal administration in power, California transportation agencies have continued to prioritize highway building and car-centric development at the expense of public transit and multimodal transportation infrastructure.

The letter includes seven suggestions for actions state leaders can take to meet its climate goals and safeguard its environment. These include making a statewide effort to shift investments away from highway expansion, aligning the transportation budget with the state’s climate action plan, and creating a ‘Plan B’ for emissions reduction goals that compensates for potential reductions in federal support.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in Streetsblog California

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.