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: The San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation District established a grant program to award transportation infrastructure dollars to the cities and counties that produce or preserve the largest number …
Transportation District grants Read More »
Description: The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund awarded funding to the Sacramento Air Quality Management District to start the CarShare program in the Greater Sacramento, CA area. It has provided free …
Increased access to ZEVs Read More »
Description: To reduce the number of bike crashes and increase bicycle ridership, San Francisco, CA has created protected curbside bike lanes on several busy and otherwise hazardous streets. The projects …
Protected bike lanes Read More »
Description: An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate dwelling unit that contains independent kitchen, sleeping and bathroom facilities, and is located on a residential zoned lot, subordinate to main …
Reduce VMT by zoning – ADUs Read More »
Description: Minneapolis 2040, the city’s comprehensive plan, addresses issues associated with housing, racial equity and climate change. The plan eliminates single-family zoning and instead allows residential structures with up to …
Implement comprehensive plan Read More »
Description: The city of San Anselmo, CA amended its general plan to incorporate an “Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Policy.” The policy is comprised of three parts: 1) Increase charger stations …
Electric vehicle readiness policy Read More »
Description: Cool the Earth is a grassroots, non-profit organization that believes personal action is essential to reducing carbon emissions. One way Cool the Earth is working to reduce carbon emissions …
Increase number of EVs Read More »
Description: Multiple cities are piloting van service as an alternative option to bus and commercial ride services. In West Sacramento, CA, vans provide door-to-door service. For a smaller city the …
First and last mile transit Read More »