SOLUTIONS Transportation

The transportation sector represents the largest source of CO2 emissions in the Northeast, and major policies to reduce vehicle emissions are best implemented at the federal level. Nevertheless, there are numerous opportunities for local, state, and regional governments as well as private initiatives that can help reduce emissions.

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California "Clean Car" tailpipe emissions standards adopted in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont would require that vehicles sold in the state (starting with the 2009 model year) reduce emissions by 1 to 2 percent, progressing to approximately 30 percent below 2002 levels in 2016. Implementation is contingent upon a ruling expected by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Low emission vehicle incentives can be established in states through a "clean car discount" incentive program, where sales and annual excise taxes are reduced for low emitting vehicles and raised on the highest emitting vehicles. Such a program can be completely "self-financing" as all surcharges can go to fund the rebates and associated administrative costs.

High efficiency and low emission fleet initiatives by state and municipal governments, corporations, universities, and regional transportation authorities can continue to be leaders in their communities, while expanding the market for hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles, and promote expanded use of cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and biodiesel.

Low Carbon Fuel Standards can be enacted by states. California has established a statewide goal of reducing heat-trapping emissions from the state's transportation fuels by at least ten per cent by 2020, and several other states are pursuing similar approaches to reducing emissions from transportation.

Transportation Management commitments by state and local governments and large institutions can break the cycle of increasing dependence on single-occupancy vehicle commuting and substantially reduce emissions through investments and policies that will expand public transportation and encourage bicycling and walking.

"Smart Growth" efforts in states and local governments can align zoning, property tax, and infrastructure spending policies and incentives to encourage redevelopment and concentrate new development near transportation nodes and existing infrastructure, promote the use of public transit, and avoid sprawl.