13.B.8) Increase efficiency of transportation system
The transportation sector represents the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the region. MetroFuture seeks to reduce these emissions through compact growth patterns and investments in transit, so that residents have less distance to travel, and more alternatives to driving. A reduction in vehicle miles traveled per person can be compounded with increasing fuel efficiency to yield dramatic reductions in overall emissions.
Although federal policy establishes national mileage standards, there are many potential state, regional, and local policies to mandate or promote more efficient vehicles. Tax incentives for low-emission vehicles can help to stimulate demand, especially if they are applied across New England and are applied proportionally based on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Fleet operators, both public and private, should make greater efforts to evaluate life cycle costs and purchase high-efficiency vehicles whenever possible. The Green Communities Program is now developing fuel efficiency standards for a variety of vehicle types, including heavy-duty vehicles. Standards for the increased use of alternative fuels should adopt a similar focus on life cycle greenhouse gas reductions, rather than seeking to promote one particular technology. Finally, all vehicles can use less fuel through the application of best practices, such as reduced idling and the use of low-resistance tires.
8.a The legislature should adopt state tax incentives for purchase of low-emission vehicles
8.b All public and private fleet owners should purchase vehicles that meet the Green Communities Program’s fuel efficient standards
8.c The Biofuels Task Force should scrutinize low carbon fuel standards for environmental benefits
8.d The Commonwealth should establish standards requiring low rolling resistance replacement tires8.e The Department of Environmental Protection should establish a task force to increase enforcement of anti-idling statutes.
Mark Kaepplein:
Policies making roads less efficient are epidemic.
Urban roads are sprouting more and more features that increase energy waste by vehicles and generate more CO2. Sidewalk extensions, road constriction (diet), traffic calming, reduced radius turns etc. all add up to much lower EPA city mileage than highway despite negligible air resistance that should make highway numbers much worse. Hybrid vehicle raw material requirements are not sustainable, but hybrids recover most waste from road safety treatments.
These treatments are applied in many areas with generous sight lines and no problem history. Data is meager showing any value, the total cost, or balance between the two.
Beyond energy waste, sidewalk extensions or bump outs trap leaves, snow, and sand that plows nor street sweepers can extract. Expensive, manual removal is required. Visibility of pedestrians is worsened in winter due to snow piles - opposite of the primary goal. Visibility remains unchanged for the many pedestrians who J-walk with or without bump outs.
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