Transportation contributes approximately one-third of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, and must be a prime target for major greenhouse gas reductions.
Global warming emissions from the transportation sector can be reduced by increasing the production and use of clean, highly efficient vehicles powered by sustainable low carbon fuels and electricity, and by better designing communities to include accessible and convenient alternatives to driving. The Sierra Club is working to achieve three primary outcomes in this initiative:
- Clean and efficient vehicles: A fleet-wide new vehicle fuel economy average of at least 60 mpg by 2025 through a combination of state and federal standards and a shift to vehicle electrification.
- Lower-carbon fuels: Reduce the carbon content of the fuels used for transportation by 15% below the 2005 level by 2030.
- A 21st-Century Transportation System: Reducing vehicle miles traveled per person by increasing public transit use, fostering compact communities with transportation choices (rail, bus, walking, biking), and by cutting the number of car trips taken.
Help spread the message that passing strong vehicle fuel efficiency and pollution standards will result in consumer savings, create new jobs, reduce carbon pollution, and cut US oil consumption. A public comment period for this policy begins in mid-November, we need to show strong support from all over the country for these standards.
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The Obama administration recently set strong fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles and heavy duty trucks that will help cut our addiction to oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. However, outdated testing methods used for compliance with these standards by the EPA will keep these standards from producing their full benefit. Read the Sierra Club's recent report that explains why vehicles that meet the standard don't get as much fuel efficiency on the road.
Check out the full report