We have very exciting news to share. TriMet committed this week to transitioning to a 100% clean, diesel-free bus fleet by 2040!
In a unanimous vote, TriMet’s board of directors voted to adopt the 2018 TriMet Non-Diesel Plan, which includes buying 80 electric buses in the first 5 years and to prioritizing routes through low income neighborhoods, which bear disproportionate burdens of air pollution. Climate Solutions and partners worked with TriMet over the last year to develop a decarbonization strategy and commitment to further reducing climate and air pollution.
This is a big deal: TriMet is the largest user of diesel in Oregon and has the nation's 11th-largest bus fleet. With this decision, TriMet joins the ranks of other leading transit agencies from Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City and elsewhere that are committing to zero-emission bus fleets.
TriMet’s move toward zero emission electric buses is a significant step for cleaner air, better health, and reduced climate pollution. Transportation makes up nearly 40% of Oregon’s climate emissions, making it essential that we transition rapidly from fossil fuels to cleaner electricity to power our vehicles.
In addition, the benefits of electric buses will continue to increase as Oregon’s electricity grid eliminates coal generation and becomes powered by mostly carbon-free energy over the next two decades, thanks to the Coal to Clean Act passed by the Oregon legislature two years ago.
Thank you, TriMet, for heeding the call for a cleaner future, and embracing a clean energy vision for our region. And thanks to all of you who helped us achieve this major commitment together - the letters, emails, testimony, and other actions you took to support zero emission transit were heard loud and clear by the agency. We're ready to roll!
Author Bio
Meredith brings over a decade of climate policy experience to her work to help secure needed climate progress. She advocates for innovative and equitable policy solutions to reduce climate and air pollution and create a thriving clean energy economy across the Northwest.
Meredith previously served as Climate Solutions’ Oregon Director until 2024, where she helped pass key climate laws to transition Oregon’s electric grid to 100% clean energy and electrify the buildings and transportation sectors. Prior to joining Climate Solutions, Meredith was a Climate and Energy Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. At NRDC, she advanced renewable energy policies in the U.S. and internationally. She also implemented programs to protect public health and improve climate resilience to heat waves and air pollution in India’s growing cities. Before NRDC, Meredith practiced law in the private sector.
Meredith is a member of the Oregon and California State Bar Associations. She holds a JD from Boston College Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and French from Santa Clara University. In her free time, Meredith enjoys exploring her incredible home state of Oregon with her family and rooting too loudly for the Portland Thorns and Timbers.
