Maine is currently navigating the complex task of balancing infrastructure development with climate goals. The state is deliberating over a new toll highway to ease commutes around Portland, while a climate working group drafts strategies to minimize driving. This dual approach raises questions about whether expanding roads is compatible with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation remains the largest source of emissions in Maine, and despite the growing adoption of electric vehicles, more comprehensive efforts in public transit, biking, and walking are deemed necessary to meet climate objectives.
In the past, Maine’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs) was considered the cornerstone of its strategy to lower transportation-related emissions. The state’s original climate plan, released in 2020, aimed to have 41,000 light-duty EVs on the road by the next year and 219,000 by 2030. However, these targets are far from being met, with only about 12,300 EVs or plug-in hybrids recorded by 2023. A 2021 clean transportation roadmap recommended adopting California’s Advanced Clean Cars II and Trucks rules to boost EV sales, but state regulators voted against it in early 2024, leading to a lawsuit from youth climate activists. This shift suggests that while EVs are crucial, they cannot be the sole solution to Maine’s climate conundrum.
Electric Vehicle Challenges
Electric vehicles have been a primary focus in Maine’s plan to cut transportation emissions. The 2020 climate plan set an ambitious goal of having 41,000 light-duty EVs on the roads by next year and 219,000 by 2030. As of 2023, only 12,300 EVs or plug-in hybrids are in use. Despite a 2021 roadmap recommending California’s stringent EV rules, Maine’s regulators opted not to adopt them, leading to legal action from youth climate advocates.
“The states who are taking transportation decarbonization really seriously are really focused on reducing driving, reducing traffic,” said Zak Accuardi, the director for mobility choices at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The original climate plan also sought to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 20% by 2030, aiming to achieve this with more transit funding, compact development, and better broadband to support remote work. However, the plan lacked detail on these strategies and didn’t mention “active transportation.” The upcoming climate plan, due in December, is expected to emphasize these areas more.
Focus on Non-Car Strategies
The state’s climate council’s transportation working group has suggested various measures to promote non-car modes of transportation. These include new state programs to support electric bike adoption, paving shoulders on rural roads for safer cycling and walking, and constructing off-road trails pending federal funds. Recommendations also push for setting targets that align with Maine’s emissions reduction goals, focusing on increased use of transit and active transportation.
“I think this also gets at housing and land use,” said Joyce Taylor, co-chair of the working group and chief engineer at the Maine Department of Transportation.
The Gorham Connector project proposes a new tolled bypass to alleviate local traffic congestion. While state officials argue the new road would aid traffic flow and public transit, experts remain skeptical. They suggest that improving existing roads for climate-friendly uses is more effective. Moreover, toll revenues could support clean transportation and affordable housing development, contributing to long-term climate goals.
Town strategies, like in Kittery, show a blend of transit, housing, and emissions reduction. Investments in new bus routes, commuter shuttles, and road enhancements aim to provide safer options for biking and walking. Kittery’s climate action plan emphasizes denser housing in accessible areas, showcasing a model approach for state-wide application. However, local adaptations are crucial, as “one size fits all” solutions may not work universally.
“We can’t expect people to reduce (emissions) resulting from transportation without giving them options,” said Kendra Amaral, Kittery town manager.
Despite the Maine Turnpike Authority acknowledging that the Gorham Connector could increase driving, they claim it will lead to overall emissions reductions when combined with land-use and transit improvements. However, ensuring effective environmental outcomes depends on toll strategies and revenue allocation. Experts argue that more investment in alternative strategies is essential. Nationwide, states spend a significant portion of federal transportation funds on expanding roads rather than on public transit, a trend that needs reversing to meet aggressive emissions targets.
