Transportation & Land Use

In the United States, transportation (cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes) contributes 29% (2019) of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the largest amount of all sectors, including industry and electricity. Over half of transportation emissions come from passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, including sport utility vehicles. Emissions between 1990 and 2019 have trended upward as the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by passenger cars and light-duty trucks increased by 48 percent during that period. Much of this growth stems from the expansion of land for economic activities and housing. The result is car-dependent sprawl.

Land use is fundamentally a responsibility of local governments – which land is developed, what is built on it, and what modes of transport are fostered to travel over it. With a focus on reducing VMT, communities can use their powers to:

  • Shift from zoning which separates uses in favor of more mixed use, e.g., homes, stores, and businesses.
  • Encourage building more, less expensive housing near jobs and public transportation.
  • Expand zero-emissions public transit and incentivize its use.
  • Build infrastructure for active transport, including sidewalks and bike paths for walking, biking, scootering, etc.
  • Facilitate electrification of transit.
  • Incentivize reduced use of private vehicles.

Create or Update Zoning Ordinances to Enable Dual-Use Agrivoltaics

Energy, Natural & Working Lands, Transportation & Land Use /

Description: Local governments across the country are adopting land-use plans and zoning regulations enabling dual-use approaches to solar power generation and […]

Create or Update Zoning Ordinances to Enable Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Read More »

Description: Local governments across the country are adopting land-use plans and zoning regulations enabling dual-use approaches to solar power generation and

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

Air Pollution Agencies, Buildings, Energy, Equity, Natural & Working Lands, Transportation & Land Use, Waste /

Description: The EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, offered grant money

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Description: The EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, offered grant money

State and Local GHG Emission Reduction Programs

Air Pollution Agencies, Energy, Transportation & Land Use /

Description: The global scientific community and many governments worldwide agree that global warming is caused by increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon

State and Local GHG Emission Reduction Programs Read More »

Description: The global scientific community and many governments worldwide agree that global warming is caused by increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon

Zoning Changes Facilitate Development of Arizona’s Car-Free Community

Transportation & Land Use /

Description: Cities around the country are reducing or eliminating requirements for off-street parking in new developments, saving developers and residents

Zoning Changes Facilitate Development of Arizona’s Car-Free Community Read More »

Description: Cities around the country are reducing or eliminating requirements for off-street parking in new developments, saving developers and residents

Use General Plans to Guide Renewables Development and Reduce Climate Emissions from Fossil Fuel Use

Equity, Natural & Working Lands, Transportation & Land Use /

Description: City and county Comprehensive Plans, also known as General Plans or Master Plans, are long-range plans that guide decision-making;

Use General Plans to Guide Renewables Development and Reduce Climate Emissions from Fossil Fuel Use Read More »

Description: City and county Comprehensive Plans, also known as General Plans or Master Plans, are long-range plans that guide decision-making;

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