Reporting in the Los Angeles Times has revealed that over the summer, a Caltrans executive, deputy director of planning and modal programs Jeanie Ward-Waller, exposed that a $280-million repaving project along a stretch of Interstate 80 was surreptitiously widening 3½ miles of the freeway -- even while top state officials were pledging to end traffic-inducing freeway expansions to help make sure California met ambitious climate goals.^[1]

Transportation accounts for the largest portion of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the majority of which come from light-duty vehicles. If California is to meet its legally binding 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas reduction targets, it needs to significantly and quickly reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled in the state.

Highway expansion projects are completely antithetical to climate goals. Increasing even a single lane of highway in California by one mile typically leads to several million additional vehicle miles traveled per year and all the greenhouse gas emissions that go with it.

That’s why 60 organizations have called on Governor Newsom to show Californians -- and the nation -- that health, the environment, and the fight against climate change are a top priority.

Now, we’re building support from individuals to turn up the heat on Governor Newsom and demand action.

Become a grassroots co-sponsor of the letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom by adding your name now.

^{[1] A Caltrans executive questioned a freeway expansion. Then she was demoted}