Study: D.C. Region Must Take Aggressive Steps To Reach Climate Goal

To achieve its stated emissions reduction goal, the Greater Washington area must sharply reduce driving and speed up the adoption of electric vehicles.

1 minute read

December 21, 2021, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


D.C. Metro

Orhan Cam / Shutterstock

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.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 in Greater Greater Washington

Large historic homes and white picket fences line a street.

The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.

March 23, 2023 - The Washington Post

Amtrak Acela Express train passing through Harrison station in Newark, New Jersey

‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts

Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.

March 28, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

Buses in downtown Seattle on the dedicated 3rd Avenue bus lanes

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations

An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

March 28, 2023 - Axios

View of Statue of Liberty with New York City skyline in background

Immigration Grows, Population Drops in Many U.S. Counties

International immigration to the country’s most populous areas tripled even as major metropolitan areas continued to lose population.

March 31 - The New York Times

Detroit Sports Arena

$616 Million in Development Incentives Approved for District Detroit

The “Transformational Brownfield” incentives approved by the Detroit City Council for the $1.5 billion District Detroit still require approval by the state.

March 31 - Detroit Free Press

A red sign reads, “Welcome to New Canaan.”

Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut

The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.

March 31 - Stamford Advocate

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.