Fighting Climate Change Requires Serious Transportation Reform

The federal government can encourage public transit use and electrification through reforms in transportation systems and land use policies.

2 minute read

August 2, 2021, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Portland Transit

TFoxFoto / Shutterstock

As climate change intensifies, writes Kevin DeGood, "[t]he United States must adopt policies and make investments to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by midcentury." Two important steps: "electrifying vehicles and reducing the automobile dependence of communities," which includes "[r]apid electrification of transportation powered by renewable energy."

"In addition to electrification, the federal government needs to substantially reform its transportation policies to reduce auto dependence by directing funds to projects that expand transportation choice—including transit, biking, and walking—and encourage infill development," says DeGood. "Climate change cannot be addressed without reforming land use, and land use cannot be changed without reforming transportation."

The design of transportation systems "has important implications for not only driving and mobile emissions but also the economic productivity of those facilities and the long-term cost burden associated with maintenance." DeGood compares Ohio and Washington, D.C.'s  systems: "every lane mile of roadway in Washington, D.C., supports, on average, 4 1/2 times as many residents as in Ohio. … Stated differently, every dollar spent on building and maintaining the roadway network in Washington is providing a larger economic return on investment than the equivalent dollar spent in Ohio." Yet "83 percent of Ohio adults drive to work alone, while only 4 percent take transit, bike, or walk. In Washington, only 34 percent of residents drive alone, while 53 percent take transit, bike, or walk."

"Congress is currently debating the reauthorization of federal highway, transit, and passenger rail programs. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the INVEST Act, which contains several key policy reforms to address climate change and improve overall system performance." The act, writes DeGood, could be "a strong step in a new direction, pushing states and regions to make different, more sustainable, and more productive investments with federal dollars."

Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Center for American Progress

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Modular housing under construction with worker guiding crane.

Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.

Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.

October 29, 2024 - Jordan Rogove

Gaslamp Quarter

America’s 10 ‘Greenest’ Cities

A new analysis ranks cities based on their environmental quality, energy consumption and production, transportation, density, and other factors.

October 28, 2024 - The Street

Group of children with backpacks and bike helmets going to school.

How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal

SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.

November 7 - Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell

Parked cars in floodwater with two-story apartments or homes in background in Florida after hurricane.

Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather

Car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.

November 7 - Grist

Small mountain lake with snow-capped mountains in background in Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

California Approves $10 Billion Bond for Water, Clean Energy, and Environmental Projects

Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.

November 7 - Los Angeles Times