There is a growing consensus that the U.S. and other developed countries need to reduce their greenhouse (GHG) emissions by 60 to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 to limit global warming to 2-3*C above pre-industrial levels and ward off the most severe impacts of global climate change. This is reflected both in state and local climate plans around the U.S. and in targets set by international governments.

Transportation GHG emissions are a result of vehicles, fuels and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Most climate policy proposals have focused on reducing GHG emissions from vehicles and fuels, with little serious attention to slowing growth in VMT. CCAP analysis illustrates that meeting long-term climate protection goals will require significant progress on all three fronts.

Smart Growth refers to environmentally sensitive land development that aims to increase transportation and housing choices, reduce air pollution and energy use, and make infrastructure investments more efficient and cost effective. Policy-makers are seeking new solutions to reduce transportation GHG emissions. Efficient land development patterns that reduce the need to drive are a critical complement to improved vehicles and fuels if the world is serious about climate protection.

CCAP's transportation team has undertaken a number of projects evaluating options for reducing GHG emissions from all three legs of the stool: vehicles, fuels and VMT. This experience has ranged from analysis of specific on-the-ground projects, working with diverse stakeholders to craft policy options for all levels of government, and developing tools and information to aid implementation.

Currently, CCAP is:

• Providing core information and policy framing to inform stakeholder engagement on transportation GHG reduction strategies and promote a common understanding of key issues;
• Developing effective policy packages for reducing growth in VMT as a key strategy to reduce transportation GHG emissions; and
• Assisting California state agencies on development of Smart Growth and climate change policies.