WHEREAS, transportation choice improves quality of life by uplifting transportation alternatives that provide safe, sustainable, and convenient access to communities, jobs, and schools throughout North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 246 recognizes that climate change disproportionately impacts communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities, and responsible solutions to climate change must equitably reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, build community resiliency, advance sustainable economic and infrastructure investments, promote health equity, and ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in government decision-making and implementation; and
WHEREAS, reducing GHG emissions and increasing resilience to climate change strengthens and diversifies North Carolina's economy through improved health, job growth, consumer savings, technology development, and increased economic activity; and;
WHEREAS, climate change mitigation positively impacts opportunities for economic growth and increases transit, rail, and other transportation options, while also increasing worker productivity and reducing vehicle miles traveled; and
WHEREAS, including the expansive growth in population, the results of collaborative commute-based efforts have annually exceeded the goal of 25% reduction in commuter vehicles miles traveled and reductions in associated greenhouse gases since funding began in 2009; and
WHEREAS, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing employer and employee support in continuing transportation options and assistance in transitioning to full-time telework, returning to the office workplace, and developing hybrid work arrangements; and
WHEREAS, Triangle Transportation Choices and transportation demand management programs at Triangle transit agencies, universities, and municipalities have collaborated to provide free consulting services to local businesses and corporations; programming to students, faculty, and staff; and outreach and marketing with community organizations and the public; and
WHEREAS, the Triangle’s Regional Golden Modes Ceremony celebrates transportation demand management successes of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated the positive impacts of sustainable commuting by using transit, carpool, vanpool, biking, walking, or teleworking, reducing greenhouse gases by 576 million pounds;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 12 – 18, 2022, as “TRANSPORTATION CHOICE AWARENESS AND RECOGNITION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.