Denser Neighborhoods Could Save Bay Area $31 Billion

The new report seems tied to California's landmark anti-sprawl law, SB 375, that aims to reduce vehicle-miles-traveled in metropolitan areas in order to meet greenhouse reduction goals.

"The study, "Windfall For All: How Connected, Convenient Neighborhoods Can Protect Our Climate And Safeguard California's Economy," found that people in Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego who live near public transportation on average emit fewer carbon emissions and spend billions less on transportation compared to people who live in areas where public transit is scarce."

From Sacramento Bee:

"The study... was conducted by Oakland-based TransForm, formerly the Transportation and Land Use Coalition. TransForm is a coalition that includes nonprofits, environmental advocates and labor unions.

If all residents in the four areas lived in transportation-friendly communities, the study said, they would save $31 billion per year on transportation costs and emit 34 percent less greenhouse gas.

They said the study also underscores the goals of Senate Bill 375, signed into law last year. The bill, by Sacramento Democrat Sen. Darrell Steinberg, is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions through anti-sprawl measures, including rewarding new residential development with easy access to public transit."

Thanks to Steve Levy