California officials recently announced the release of the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) 2.0., building on the successes of CAPTI 1.0 and identifying 14 new key actions to further reduce harmful emissions released into the environment. CAPTI 2.0 confronts longstanding inequities, prioritizing benefits for all Californians — including the most vulnerable communities — while ensuring the state remains on track to meet its ambitious climate goals.
“We have a responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst-case scenarios of climate change – and we must act quickly and purposefully,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “California will persist in its investment of mobility options that are sustainable, convenient, seamless and affordable while also connecting our communities throughout the state.”
Since its release in July 2021, CAPTI has guided billions of discretionary transportation dollars toward investments that aggressively combat and adapt to climate change. All 34 original CAPTI actions were completed in just three years, well ahead of schedule. As a result, key state transportation programs now generate just one-fifth of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to emission levels prior to this administration.
“For three straight years, implementation of CAPTI actions has shown that with intentional action through our infrastructure investments, we can make huge strides in tackling transportation emissions,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, and with the partnership of community stakeholders, we reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system with CAPTI 2.0.”
The launch of CAPTI 2.0 introduces 14 new key actions to further reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation, including:
Commitment to working towards Vehicle Miles Traveled/Greenhouse Gas (VMT/GHG) neutrality in key state transportation programs.
Creation of a central delivery team to coordinate zero-emission freight investments.
A new Caltrans policy to minimize housing displacement as a result of highway projects.
CAPTI 2.0 also supports the implementation of a Caltrans Transit Policy as called for in SB960 (2024) to prioritize the movement of transit on the state highway system.
CAPTI 2.0 follows 12 months of extensive public engagement, incorporating input from hundreds of local and regional agencies, transportation industry coalitions and environmental advocacy groups. With this plan, California reaffirms its leadership in climate-friendly, equitable transportation policy for all Californians.
