To achieve its stated emissions reduction goal, the Greater Washington area must sharply reduce driving and speed up the adoption of electric vehicles.
A Climate Change Mitigation Study from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) reveals that to reduce emissions by 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, the D.C. region must shift travel modes to cut driving by 20 percent and boost EV sales to half or more of new vehicles, reports Bill Pugh.
Unless every single driver switched to an electric vehicle immediately—according to the article, "a hypothetical impossibility"—reducing automobile dependence by making communities more walkable and boosting public transit is the only way to effectively reduce air pollution and meet regional climate goals.
The study was undertaken after the TPB's initial climate plan received criticism for not setting specific driving reduction goals. According to the study, the region must implement "a comprehensive approach of transit-oriented and walkable land use for new development, meeting the region’s adopted goals to build more housing near transit and make it affordable, improving transit travel times and access to stations, reducing transit fares, pricing parking in job centers, and assuming a continued high level of telework." Additional strategies include road pricing and fare-free transit. Pugh notes that the study poses some important questions for future policy as the TPB develops its 2045 long-range transportation plan next year.
FULL STORY: Here’s what it will take for Greater Washington to cut climate pollution from cars and trucks fast enough
Decarbonizing Transportation at the Federal Level
A new report shows that long-term federal investments in electric vehicles could promote significant growth in the sector as the nation moves toward reducing GHG emissions.
Seattle's 'Electrification Blueprint' Sets Ambitious Goals
The city's new transportation plan focuses on eliminating carbon emissions in its transportation sector, reducing congestion, and boosting public transit.
How Housing Density Could Help Austin Reach Climate Goals
With housing and transportation as the two biggest sources of carbon emissions, a new report shows how boosting density near transit would accelerate emissions reductions.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service