Growing public awareness about climate change and pollution, coupled with increasing concern about economic and national security issues related to dependence on foreign oil have created an opportunity to promote a transportation policy that decreases oil consumption and increases transit options. California legislature is leading the way with the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), and the regional Sustainable Communities Strategy mandate of 2008 (SB 375). Both these laws require various state organizations, commissions and boards to implement regulations and procedures for reducing harmful emissions. SB 375 specifically targets emissions from cars and light trucks, requiring that transportation and land-use planning work together to make California cities more conducive to less driving.

 

The Campaign

Contributing nearly forty percent of greenhouse gas emissions, transportation is the single greatest source of global warming pollutants in California. Driving also produces fine particulate matter (PM₂), nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon dioxide. All these pollutants cause serious health problems, especially in children. In addition, the roads necessary to support California’s insatiable appetite for driving cut through natural habitats, destroying mating and hunting grounds, and devastating California wilderness.

The price of driving is becoming unmanageable. Revenues from the gas tax are already too measly to cover the costs of maintaining our roads, and as cars become more and more fuel efficient, these revenues will dwindle further. The gas tax is a flat, per gallon tax, so although gas prices are steadily rising, increasing the financial strain of driving on California residents, the gas tax revenue is actually decreasing.

As the most populous state of the Union, California contributes greatly to America’s dependence on oil, which leaves us economically and politically vulnerable to gas price shocks. Current transportation priorities in California are unsustainable and unhealthy, and it is time for Californians to demand a change.

Sierra Club California and our supporters have great opportunities to reduce oil dependence and pollution by:

• Establishing ambitious and achievable strategies at the regional level, through the 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from driving.
• Investing in transit and mobility choices such as increased bus service, high speed rail, light rail, biking and walking, while ensuring safe roads for all.
• Creating livable communities that link transportation choices and affordable housing with schools, shops, and other amenities.
• Prioritizing the repair and maintenance of existing roads, bridges, and transit before building new highways.

By reducing vehicle miles traveled, California can improve our air quality and health, reduce road wear and congestion, and put a stop to the economic and political vulnerability caused by our oil addiction!

 

How Do I Get Involved?

There are many ways to get involved in changing how Californians drive. What do you want to do?

Go to http://www.sierraclub.org/ca/chapters to find your Sierra Club chapter and get involved.

 Neighborhood

Improve your child’s ability to get safely to school without a car? Check out the Safe Routes to School Program. 

No project in your area? Start one!

City

City Council meetings are open to the public, and most cities provide their meeting schedules and agendas online. You can attend meetings about redevelopment, transportation, land-use, zoning and other projects. Call your city hall to learn the city’s procedure for public input, and keep in mind that you have a right to be heard!

Region

Each of the 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations of California are in the process of creating their Sustainable Communities Strategy. You can view each MPO’s emissions reductions targets here.

Be part of the discussion! To find your MPO and what they are doing for their Sustainable Communities Strategy, click here.

For more information contact Annie Pham at 916 557 1100 ex. 103 or annie.pham@sierraclub.org