1. Local Action Moves the World
Transportation & Climate Change Project Cities in Action: Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Transportation Sector
Local Action Moves the World

2. Goals of the Presentation…
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in the Transportation Sector: Bad News and Good News
Framing the Problem
Framing the Solution
Examples of Smart Growth Planning and Sustainable Transportation Policies
How ICLEI Can Help

3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in the Transportation Sector
GHGs are heat trapping gases that contribute to global warming
The transportation sector produces multiple GHGs including: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (NOx)
CO2 is the bulk of GHG emissions from the transportation sector

4. BAD NEWS: Transportation is a Major Source of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Transportation Accounts for nearly 1/3 of GHG emissions in the U.S.
From 1990 to 2004, transportation emissions in the U.S. increased by 29%
Recent Increases in emissions attributed to greater Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Long-term growth in driving distances and reduced fuel efficiencies of vehicles are expected to outpace the emissions benefits of vehicle technology improvements

5. Infrastructure spending Fleet fuel efficiency
GOOD NEWS: Local Governments are Uniquely Positioned to Do Something About it
Local Governments have influence over decisions that affect transportation emissions:
Land use regulation
Infrastructure spending
Fleet fuel efficiency

6. Framing the Problem: Our Dependency on the Automobile
Cities and regions are car dependent by design
Current city planning model makes driving necessary
Society caters to and subsidizes the automobile
Low-density requirements
Single-use zoning
Sprawl promotes increased VMT

7. Framing the Problem Cont’d: Sprawl and GHGs
Ewing et al. (2002), concluded that the degree of sprawl was the strongest influence on vehicle miles traveled per person
Characteristics of Sprawl
Land use functions are isolated from each other
(commercial, residential, workplace)
Low population densities not conducive to transit
Origins and destinations are further apart
Results
Increases in GHG emissions contribute to global warming
Increasing air pollution has public health and non-compliance issues
Additional road infrastructure puts more cars on the road, increases traffic congestion, costs to local governments, and loss of open space

8. Framing the Solution: Planning that Reduces Dependency on Automobiles and Increases Fuel Efficiency
Goal:
Smart Growth Policies and Efficient Transportation
Solutions:
Local Governments have influence over decisions that affect transportation emissions through land use regulation and infrastructure spending
Endorse higher density developments
Promote mix of land uses and transit-oriented communities
Site-level urban design features that promote safety and access to local services on foot

9. Framing the Solution Cont’d
Local governments can lead by example
Manage vehicle fleets
Promote alternative transportation options for employees
Develop policies that encourage smart growth in the community
REMEMBER:
You may have strategies already in place that have emissions benefits
(show specific examples here i.e. smart growth and sustainable transportation policies)

10. Co-benefits of Emissions Reduction Measures
Financial savings
Livability of communities
Improved Air Quality
Public health benefits

11. Smart Growth Planning and Sustainable Transportation Policy Examples:
Somerville, MA: Davis Square
I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement (NHCC Project)
Brattleboro, VT: Designated Downtown Program
San Francisco, CA: Golden Gate Bridge

12. Somerville, MA: Davis Square
Development Oriented around the T stations
Mix of commercial, residential, employment
Streetscape Improvements: Street lighting, tree plantings, and sidewalks

13. I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement (NHCC Project)
83 diesel oxidation catalysts installed at the NHCC project
Low sulfur diesel (500 ppm sulfur content) used in all nonroad equipment
Part of Connecticut’s Clean Air Construction Initiative
launched to protect laborers as well as residents from harmful construction emissions along a densely populated corridor
Estimates for reduced emissions from the program
Carbon monoxide = 20 tons per year
Fine particulate matter = 2 tons per year (with clean fuels and oxidation catalysts)
Hydrocarbons = 8 tons per year (with oxidation catalysts only)

14. Brattleboro, VT: Designated Downtown Program
Part of Vermont Downtown Program
Downtown revitalization occurs with the collaboration of downtown stakeholders across a variety of program areas and projects
Requires strong and sustained local leadership from both the public and private sectors
Provides new opportunities for commercial growth in town centers
Attracts new businesses, creates more jobs, generates new investments, and preserves or enhances the vitality of downtowns

15. San Francisco, CA: Golden Gate Bridge
Reduced tolls for vanpools and carpools can be more effective when combined with exclusive-use lanes
Tolls are free on the Bridge in the HOV lanes for carpools/vanpools of 3 or more during weekdays from 5 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm, except on holidays

16. How Can ICLEI Assist? Cities for Climate Protection ® Campaign
Cumulative local actions have a positive
impact on global climate change
Over 650 participants worldwide
Over 165 participants in U.S. = 19% of U.S. GHG emissions
Benefits for Participants
Peer exchange opportunities and workshops
Access to a network of local governments
Publications, Software, Technical support, and more!

17. The CCP Milestone Process
Make Commitment
Milestone 1
Inventory Emissions
Milestone 2. Set Target/Goal
Milestone 3. Establish Local Action Plan
Milestone 5. Monitor/Evaluate Progress
Milestone 4. Implement Local Action Plan

18. 2005 Results from CCP Participants
23 million tons of annual eCO2 reduced
75 million gallons of fuel reduced per year (diesel and gasoline)
$535 million saved after payback

19. For More Assistance, Please Contact ICLEI
Local Action Moves the World