Avoid and Reward Act for the Transportation Industry

Which Senator or Congress member will be the first?

Bill No. [###]

Introduced by: [Congress Member's Name] Co-Sponsors: [List of Co-sponsors] Date: [Date of Introduction]

Purpose:

The Avoid and Reward Act seeks to incentivize the transportation industry to reduce carbon emissions by promoting bicycle commuting, providing underserved communities with access to bicycles, and establishing a system that rewards transportation companies through the sale of carbon avoidance credits. The goal is to foster environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance bicycle infrastructure across municipalities.

Findings:

1. Carbon Emissions: Bicycle commuters emit only 34 grams of CO2 per mile, a fraction of what motor vehicles emit—approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile for cars and even more for buses and trucks.
2. Environmental Impact: Encouraging bicycle commuting can significantly reduce transportation sector emissions, which represent a large portion of the nation's overall carbon footprint.
3. Social Equity: Underserved communities often lack access to affordable transportation options. Providing bicycles for commuting can improve access to jobs and services while reducing individual transportation costs.
4. Technology & Verification: Technologies now exist to track and verify bicycle commuting miles, ensuring accurate carbon savings and enhancing trust in the system.
5. Bicycle Infrastructure: Many municipalities lack sufficient infrastructure to support large-scale bicycle commuting. Investment in bike lanes, secure parking, and related facilities is essential to ensure safe and efficient bicycle travel.

Section 1: Establishment of the Avoid and Reward Program

1.1 Program Overview The Avoid and Reward Program will allow transportation companies to contribute funds to municipalities to provide free bicycles to underserved communities. These bicycles must be used specifically for bicycle commuting.

1.2 Responsibilities of Transportation Companies Transportation companies choosing to participate in the program will:

• Fund the Purchase of Bicycles: Contribute funds to municipalities, which will be used to purchase bicycles for individuals in underserved communities.
• Partner with Employers: Work with local employers to ensure that bicycles are safeguarded at workplaces, with storage facilities and infrastructure costs covered under the existing Bicycle Commuter Act.
• Receive Reimbursements: The transportation companies will receive reimbursements through carbon credits for their initial contribution, which will be reimbursed to the value of their original investment. Any additional carbon credits generated beyond this will be allocated to the municipality for bicycle infrastructure development.

Section 2: Verification and Technology Requirements

2.1 Use of Verified Technologies Bicycle commuters provided bicycles under this program must utilize technologies that track and verify their commuting miles. VIDAT or similar systems will be used to collect real-time data on commuter miles, ensuring transparency and accuracy in carbon savings calculations.

2.2 Employer Accountability Employers will be responsible for:

• Safeguarding Bicycles: Providing secure storage for bicycles used by employees, funded under the Bicycle Commuter Act.
• Encouraging Use of Technology: Ensuring that employees use the required verification technologies to track and record their commuting miles accurately.

2.3 Quarterly Carbon Savings Calculation Carbon avoidance savings will be calculated on a quarterly basis, based on the verified miles cycled by employees. The amount of CO2 avoided will be quantified based on the delta between bicycle commuting emissions (34 grams of CO2 per mile) and the average emissions of alternative transportation modes.

Section 3: Conversion of Carbon Savings into Carbon Credits

3.1 Carbon Avoidance Credits The verified carbon avoidance savings will be converted into Carbon Credits on a quarterly basis.

3.2 Sale of Carbon Credits The generated carbon credits will be sold on an established carbon exchange. Revenues from the sale will be distributed as follows:

1. Reimbursement to the Transportation Company: Proceeds from the carbon credits will first go to reimbursing the transportation company for the original cost of purchasing bicycles.
2. Municipal Bicycle Infrastructure Fund: Once the transportation company has been fully reimbursed, any remaining proceeds from carbon credits will be directed to the municipality’s Bicycle Commuting Infrastructure Fund. These funds must be used to improve bicycle commuting infrastructure, including the development of bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and secure storage facilities.

Section 4: Program Eligibility and Oversight

4.1 Eligibility Criteria for Transportation Companies To participate in the Avoid and Reward Program, transportation companies must:

• Operate in compliance with environmental standards and demonstrate a commitment to reducing their overall carbon emissions.
• Contribute directly to bicycle commuting programs and coordinate with local employers to ensure the success of the initiative.

4.2 Eligibility Criteria for Municipalities Municipalities must:

• Develop a plan for how they will distribute bicycles to underserved communities and use the funds generated from carbon credits to improve local bicycle infrastructure.
• Establish partnerships with employers to ensure secure bicycle storage and promote safe commuting practices.

4.3 Program Oversight The program will be overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These agencies will ensure that:

• Carbon avoidance savings are accurately tracked and reported.
• Transportation companies and municipalities are compliant with the requirements.
• Funds from the sale of carbon credits are appropriately allocated and used.

Section 5: Reporting and Accountability

5.1 Annual Reporting Requirements Municipalities and transportation companies participating in the program must submit annual reports to the Department of Transportation detailing:

• Bicycle distribution efforts in underserved communities.
• Verification of bicycle commuting miles using approved technologies.
• Carbon savings achieved.
• Use of proceeds from carbon credit sales, particularly infrastructure improvements.

Section 6: Funding and Tax Incentives

6.1 Funding Mechanisms Funding for the purchase of bicycles and initial infrastructure development will come from contributions by transportation companies. These companies may also receive tax incentives for their participation in the program.

6.2 Tax Incentives for Employers Employers who provide secure storage and encourage bicycle commuting through the Bicycle Commuter Act may qualify for tax deductions related to their infrastructure investments.

Section 7: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect 180 days after its passage.

Conclusion:

The Avoid and Reward Act will provide a forward-thinking solution to transportation emissions by promoting bicycle commuting, especially in underserved communities. Through a system of carbon avoidance credits, transportation companies will be reimbursed for their investments, while municipalities benefit from long-term improvements to cycling infrastructure, all contributing to national goals for carbon reduction and sustainable transportation.

Sponsor: [Name of Sponsor] Co-Sponsors: [List of Co-Sponsors] Date of Introduction: [Date]

Suggested by Mark Kabbash for The Dandy Horse, Inc.