NRDC Scorecard Ranks State Transportation Policies
WASHINGTON – With record amounts of federal funding for transportation projects underway, a new NRDC scorecard released today ranks the states on their transportation policies and spending priorities.
The scorecard, Getting Transportation Right: Ranking the States in Light of New Federal Funding, comes two years after the passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided a record amount of new funding for bridges, roads, bike infrastructure, and public transportation.
The report notes that while funding is crucial, state policies must ensure it is spent on the right priorities like vehicle charging stations, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian projects and not just more highway expansion.
“With the infrastructure law in place, this is a historic opportunity to invest in the kinds of transportation projects that will address inequity while tackling the climate crisis,” said John Bailey, transportation advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and the scorecard’s co-author. “This report shows which states are leading the way forward.”
“We can’t shovel new money into the policies and plans of the past,” Bailey said. “Instead of just pouring more pavement, states need to invest on the best ways to move people to opportunity, reconnect communities, and build a climate-safe transportation sector.”
The report tallies 22 separate metrics to grade and rank all the states on their comprehensive plans to deliver sustainable and equitable transportation. These areas include: procurement practices, electric vehicle rebate programs, emissions reduction goals, road maintenance prioritization, and clean car standards.
The top-ranked states are:
1. California
2. Massachusetts
3. Vermont
4. Oregon
5. Washington
6. New York
7. Colorado
8. New Jersey
9. Connecticut
10. Minnesota
In contrast, the states doing the least to improve equity and climate outcomes are:
50. Kentucky
48. Louisiana (tied)
48. Nebraska (tied)
47. Alabama
46. South Carolina
45. Arizona
44. Idaho
43. Alaska
42. Montana
41. Mississippi
“With the information in this report, states have the ability to chart a new course over the coming years,” said Shruti Vaidyanathan, director of federal transportation at NRDC. “The scorecard provides a clear roadmap for state leaders to invest in projects that will provide real benefits to their residents while building a sustainable transportation system. Given the multiple challenges before us, the stakes couldn’t be higher.”
David Gardiner & Associates provided key analysis and support for this project.
NRDC's Senior Advocate for Federal and State Transportation, John Bailey, has written a blog outlining what this scorecard means for the future of transportation in the US, accessible here.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.