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.
Description: Denver residents are receiving instant rebates to buy e-bikes (battery powered bikes) following the city’s implementation of a new program to address unhealthy ozone levels. The city’s program aims …
E-bike vouchers to reduce VMT Read More »
Description: The Skidmore College Student Garden is an extension of the College’s Food System Initiative where food grown in the student garden is provided to the college’s dining hall thereby …
Year-Round Community Garden Read More »
Description: The Department of Transportation of Portland, Oregon has increased the cost of parking at city parking meters by $0.20 per transaction to both send a signal to the public …
Climate Parking Fee Read More »
Description: Transportation Demand Management or Cordon Area Congestion Pricing (also called Value Pricing by the Federal Highway Authority) is considered by most transportation experts to be the most effective strategy …
Reduce VMT by congestion pricing Read More »