The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) launched the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) in 2021, marking a significant step towards aligning transportation investments with California’s ambitious climate goals. This plan outlines the state’s strategy for directing billions of discretionary transportation dollars annually to combat climate change, enhance public health and safety, and promote equity. CAPTI is built upon executive orders issued by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019 and 2020, which aimed to drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, a sector responsible for over 40% of the state’s total emissions.
Since its inception, CAPTI has demonstrated considerable progress. CalSTA’s annual reports on its implementation highlight that within just two years, the majority of the initial actions were either underway or completed. By July 2024, all 34 original actions of CAPTI 1.0 had been fully implemented. A study conducted by the Mineta Institute for Transportation (MTI) at San Jose State University indicates the substantial impact of CAPTI. It estimates that discretionary transportation infrastructure investments made under CAPTI now generate only one-fifth of the GHG emissions compared to investments made by previous administrations. This dramatic reduction underscores the effectiveness of CAPTI in shifting investment towards sustainable Infrastructure In Transportation.
Building on this success and recognizing the ongoing need for more aggressive climate action, CalSTA engaged with stakeholders throughout 2024. Through listening sessions, public workshops, and public comment periods, they developed CAPTI 2.0. This updated plan, released in February 2025, introduces four new strategies and 14 new actions designed to further enhance the existing CAPTI framework. Over the coming years, CalSTA and its departments will focus on implementing these new actions, striving to achieve lasting positive impacts for all Californians and ensure the long-term sustainability of transportation infrastructure investments.
CAPTI 2.0: Expanding the Vision for Transportation Infrastructure
CAPTI 2.0 represents an evolution of California’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure in transportation. It reinforces the state’s dedication to using transportation funding, including revenues from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, to improve and maintain the state’s transportation network while prioritizing climate action. SB 1 mandates a “fix-it-first” approach to maintain existing infrastructure. CAPTI builds upon this by directing discretionary transportation funds, where feasible, towards projects that not only maintain and improve infrastructure but also actively contribute to California’s climate, health, and social equity objectives. This strategic investment in infrastructure in transportation is crucial for achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
The focus on infrastructure in transportation within CAPTI 2.0 is evident in its expanded strategies and actions. These are designed to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more efficient, and equitable transportation system. By prioritizing investments in public transit, active transportation, and zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, CAPTI 2.0 aims to fundamentally reshape California’s transportation landscape. This forward-looking approach ensures that infrastructure development supports not only the state’s immediate transportation needs but also its long-term environmental and societal well-being.
Background and Foundations of CAPTI
CAPTI’s foundation lies in Governor Newsom’s executive orders from 2019 and 2020, which set ambitious targets for reducing GHG emissions in the transportation sector. Recognizing that transportation is a major contributor to pollution, these executive orders provided the impetus for developing a comprehensive plan to decarbonize the sector. CAPTI emerged as the concrete strategy to translate these high-level goals into actionable investment priorities.
The principle guiding CAPTI is the strategic allocation of state transportation funds to projects that align with climate goals. While upholding the “fix-it-first” commitment to maintain existing roads and bridges, CAPTI ensures that new investments and infrastructure improvements are evaluated through a climate lens. This means prioritizing projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), promote zero-emission transportation options, and enhance the resilience of the transportation system to climate impacts. By integrating climate considerations into every aspect of transportation infrastructure planning and investment, CAPTI is transforming how California approaches transportation development.
Access CAPTI Documents and Further Information
For those seeking detailed information and documentation regarding CAPTI and CAPTI 2.0, the following resources are available:
- Final Adopted CAPTI 2.0 (February 2025) (PDF)
- CAPTI 2.0 Press Release (coming soon)
- Compiled Public Comments for CAPTI 2.0 (coming soon)
- Public Presentation of the Draft CAPTI Update at the CARB-HCD-CTC joint commission meeting (November 7, 2024)
CalSTA is committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates on the implementation progress of CAPTI 2.0. A comprehensive implementation progress report is expected before the end of 2026. Furthermore, to assess the ongoing impact of CAPTI, CalSTA will launch another outcomes study to evaluate changes in VMT, GHG emissions, equity, and economic outcomes resulting from transportation infrastructure investments. This continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure that CAPTI remains effective in driving California towards its climate and sustainability goals through strategic infrastructure in transportation investments.
Archive of CAPTI Reports
For historical context and to review the progress of CAPTI’s initial phase, the following archive documents are available:
CAPTI 2nd Annual Report (2023)
CAPTI 1st Annual Report (2022)
CAPTI 1.0 Materials
