President Barack Obama stressed changes in transportation emissions at the UN climate change summit today. “We’ve proposed the very first national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks — a standard that will also save consumers money and our nation oil,” Obama said. The [...]

If we’re serious about reducing CO2 emissions, with nearly a third (28%) of our greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transportation sector, the question won’t be should we try to get cuts from transportation, but rather, what cuts can we get from transportation?’ A new report released Wednesday morning studies that question in depth and demonstrates how we can clean the atmosphere while also reducing our oil dependency, expanding our options for living and getting around and making transportation more affordable overall.

By living closer to jobs and school, city dwellers cut down on carbon emissions. (Chicago Sun-Times) Health researchers note that obesity and climate change have many of the same roots — including an auto-dependent lifestyle. (Grist) The unpredictable nature of climate change could have dangerous effects on our transportation system. (ClimateBiz)

The Baltimore Sun editorial board calls for a fresh start for our transportation system. Train executives see the link between climate change, energy, and transportation. (CNN) Zipcar founder Robin Chase speaks about ride sharing, transportation costs, and infrastructure. (Infrastructurist) A look at the worst cities for angry drivers. (Reuters)

The connections between the climate bill and federal transportation legislation are becoming clearer. (Greenwire via New York Times) Budget shortfalls force Michigan to cancel $740 million in roadwork. (Detroit News) San Francisco looks to increase parking fees, tolls, and tickets to better reflect the real cost of driving. (San Francisco Examiner) Senator Orrin Hatch has [...]

On Tuesday, we looked at the second of our six National Transportation Objectives and two corresponding performance targets. This second objective describes our goal for how the federal transportation program should address climate change, preserve the environment and protect people — by protecting the environment that we all inhabit.

We continue our series on the Transportation for America Blueprint this week with a look at the second of six core objectives we believe Congress must embrace in the next transportation bill — environmental protection, climate stability, and environmental justice. Our country needs a transportation system that keeps our air clean, helps us fight climate change, and protects all Americans — no matter who they are or where they live — from dangerous environmental pollution.

Transportation secretary Ray LaHood responds to criticism from columnist George Will during his appearance at the National Press Club. (Streetsblog) Community opposition kills a planned highway expansion in Los Angeles. (Los Angeles Times) The American Lung Association looks at the country’s most polluted cities. (City Mayors)

Nearly 150 transportation practitioners, environmental advocates, and green energy supporters signed up for our second webinar yesterday, focusing on Transportation and the Environment. Transportation is the second largest and fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to producing many other benefits, public transportation, rail, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure already help reduce greenhouse gas pollution by millions of CO2 tons each day.

Download this release (.PDF) (.DOC) Contact: Cosabeth Bullock 202-478-6128 202-904-7466 cbullock@mrss.com Washington — Chairman Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) and members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are to be commended for releasing a clean energy bill that makes significant advances on long overdue legislation to address the impact of transportation on our climate. The [...]