Caltrans faces backlash over transportation model's GHG reduction strategy changes

In a pivotal meeting held on April 10, 2025, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) convened to discuss critical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) across the state. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as stakeholders voiced their concerns about the effectiveness of current transportation models and the need for more robust strategies.

Sofia Fekoa, representing the Coalition for Clean Air and a member of the California Transportation Plan Policy Advisory Committee, opened the discussion with a call for action. She highlighted the committee's commitment to promoting transit access, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure. However, Fekoa expressed disappointment over Caltrans' latest modeling, which suggested that these strategies were less effective than previously thought. This new model, she argued, undermines the committee's recommendations and fails to align with state law, which mandates maximum feasible emissions reductions. Fekoa urged Caltrans to revise its approach to ensure compliance and incorporate broader stakeholder input.

The meeting also featured Martha Armas Kelly, the newly elected chair of the interagency advisory committee, who expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations. She emphasized the committee's recent re-establishment and readiness to engage in upcoming projects, reinforcing the importance of equity in transportation planning.

As discussions progressed, board member Hector Delatory raised a significant point regarding the integration of infill housing into transportation goals. He proposed that the CTC, along with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), explore how housing strategies could support VMT reduction targets outlined in the state's scoping plan. This suggestion underscored the interconnectedness of housing and transportation policies, highlighting a collaborative approach to addressing California's environmental challenges.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration among the agencies involved, signaling a proactive stance towards achieving the state's ambitious transportation and environmental goals. As California navigates the complexities of transportation planning, the voices of stakeholders like Fekoa and Delatory will be crucial in shaping a sustainable future.