On January 22, APTA, along with EESI and other partnering organizations, held a policy forum to discuss public transportation’s role in greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation strategies, including land use design. Researchers presented the positive impacts of efficient transit and land use design on climate change, as well as how public transportation contributes to greenhouse gas reduction and petroleum savings.
Below are details of the event and links to reports and presentations from the event.
Efficient Land Use Design
Report—Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change
Presentations:
Steve Winkelman, director, Center for Clean Air Policy
This presentation sets the framework for the Growing Cooler report by giving the history and context of climate change and transportation’s carbon impact.
Reid Ewing, research professor, University of Maryland
Presents the research and analysis and addresses the three questions answered in the Growing Cooler report.
Don Chen, executive director & CEO, Smart Growth America
Builds on the climate change context and research to show examples of compact development and transit options.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Energy Conservation
Report—Public Transportation’s Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Presentation: Todd Davis, assistant vice president, Science Applications International
Corporation
This presentation highlights research showing how public transportation reduces carbon footprints.
Report—Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings in the U.S.: Reducing Dependence on Oil
Presentation: Linda Bailey, federal programs advisor, NYC Department of Transportation
(formerly of ICF International)
Part 1: Presents research and analysis establishing national and household petroleum savings and transit’s role.
Part 2: New York City’s greenhouse gas reduction plan and sustainable transportation policies
How We Know it’s Green and Affordable: Showing the Full Benefits of Better Transit Choice
Presentation: Scott Bernstein, president, Center for Neighborhood Technology
This presentation examines climate and economic benefits of transit-oriented development and provides tools for implementation.
Local and State Perspectives
Materials: Kevin McCarty, managing director, Mayors Climate Protection Center, The U.S. Conference of Mayors
Energy Block Grant Article
EECBG Fact Sheet
These documents provide information on the grant programs for localities to participate in climate change strategies.
Presentation: Darren Springer, senior policy analyst, National Governors Association
Presents states interest in climate change strategies and transit opportunities, as well as current state actions and policies for the future.
Some of these pages may include links to documents in the Adobe PDF format. Please download the Adobe PDF reader if you have not already done so.
