T4America Blog

Behold! The entirety of our #BeyondEVs Tweet Chat

It’s #CoveringClimateNow week, and over 220 media outlets have pledged to devote coverage to climate change. Unfortunately, there’s usually something missing in these important conversations: driving.

Driving makes up most of transportation emissions (and the transportation sector emits more greenhouse gases than any other). And every year, vehicle miles traveled increases. If we don’t do anything to drive a little bit less, we’ll negate all of the benefits from electric vehicles and improved fuel efficiency.

It’s time to move #BeyondEVs. We hosted a Tweet Chat yesterday to discuss why we need to reduce vehicle miles traveled, how government policy at all levels can help do this, and the additional benefits of driving less.

Thanks to our tremendous co-hosts for making the Tweet Chat a success: Smart Growth America, America Walks, League of American Bicyclists, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Salud!America, Shared Use Mobility Center, TransitCenter, and U.S. PIRG.

If you’re a journalist or researcher, check out our climate change resources. And everybody stay tuned for a Tweet Chat on October 23rd on why the federal transportation program needs to prioritize maintenance over expanding highways.

Question 1: Electric vehicles are necessary but not sufficient to reduce transportation emissions. What else should we do to move #BeyondEVs and create a cleaner, zero-carbon transportation future?

Question 2: What can make it easier for people to take low-carbon trips by using transit, walking, or biking?

Question 3: What changes do we need (at the federal, state, and/or local level) to place destinations closer to where people live?

Question 4: The feds dedicate the vast majority of transportation money to building highways. How can we better distribute funding to reduce climate pollution?

Question 5: What else is missing from the debate about transportation and climate change?

Question 6: Reducing the amount/length we drive is essential for lowering transportation emissions. What are additional benefits of reducing the distance we drive?

Question 7: The implicit goal of the federal transportation program is to increase and encourage driving, which raises emissions. What would be a better, explicit, stated goal?

Before we dive in, let's set the stage with a basic fact: Transportation is the largest source of U.S. carbon emissions mostly due to driving. Switching to electric vehicles won't be enough to decarbonize the transportation system. We need to go #BeyondEVs https://t.co/D9oGAnpDUm pic.twitter.com/jWIpBYrCnX

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

Question 1: Electric vehicles are necessary but not sufficient to reduce transportation emissions. What else should we do to move #BeyondEVs and create a cleaner, zero-carbon transportation future?

Q1: Electric vehicles are necessary but not sufficient to reduce transportation emissions. What else should we do to move #BeyondEVs and create a cleaner, zero-carbon transportation future? pic.twitter.com/gqNYe6ElIB

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A1: We have to reduce driving and upend federal policy that encourages more driving by rewarding states that build more lane-miles and increase driving with more $$. https://t.co/9nNfyZOxKq #BeyondEVs 1/3 https://t.co/AM7zXkWuk9

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A1: We can’t create radical, transformational change without first changing our approach: more cars on the road is not the answer. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/WY8JFRLdXb

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

A1. We need to make a transportation system where transit, walking, and biking are convenient and safe.

If we don't rising vehicle mileage and sprawling land use will make it impossible to reduce GHG emissions as quickly as we need.https://t.co/9f5uOI5Fuw

— TransitCenter (@TransitCenter) September 18, 2019

A1 To create a cleaner transportation future, we should be investing in safe, connected options for people to walk, bike and bus. #BeyondEVs #CoveringClimateNow https://t.co/sG1fWys3kl

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) September 18, 2019

The fundamental problems are poltical. At the local state and federal levels, car culture reigns. We know we need zoning reform, reallocation of $ & increased investments, incentives for active transport etc.. Question is how to change the politics so these can happen. #beyondEVs https://t.co/MROTZWWjPc

— Andrew Grinberg (@AndrewBGrinberg) September 18, 2019

We can’t meet our climate goals with Electric Vehicles and improved fuel efficiency alone, we need to create transportation solutions that reduce driving overall. Here's some reading material by @T4America about this https://t.co/i1h1C65l0F #BeyondEVs#GNDforTransportation

— Salem (@ObongAnwanSalem) September 18, 2019

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Question 2: What can make it easier for people to take low-carbon trips by using transit, walking, or biking?

Q2: What can make it easier for people to take low-carbon trips by using transit, walking, or biking? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/tV2CBPaYJB

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A2: When roads are designed primarily to move cars as fast as possible, they are prohibitively dangerous for people. Designing roads for slower speeds and building #CompleteStreets make it easier and safer to walk, bike, and use transit. #BeyondEVs 1/3 https://t.co/rBUDyMIXeL

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A2: Actually providing the infrastructure and support need to make those trips safe, accessible, enjoyable, and available? #beyondEVs https://t.co/zBVypUk3vQ

— America Walks (@americawalks) September 18, 2019

A2: Give priority to people taking these kinds of trips. Lanes just for buses. Transit signal prioritization. Frequent breaks in traffic for peds to cross. Slow down cars on roads in high density areas. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore #CoveringClimateNow https://t.co/zpY9InbFLz

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

A2: 1 of the biggest barriers to walking & biking is the fear of being struck and killed by a driver. Our transportation network is #DangerousByDesign & we must stop designing roads that prioritize high speeds for cars over safety for all people https://t.co/KM2H1KuTo1 #BeyondEVs https://t.co/SvwuuBThA1 pic.twitter.com/3B8dtXdXTu

— National Complete Streets Coalition (@completestreets) September 18, 2019

A2: At least 35% of trips made by Americans are less than 2 miles and research suggests more than 50% of Americans are interested in biking, but concerned about safety. We must make it easier & safer for everyone to go places by bike (or other active transportation!) #BeyondEVs https://t.co/5R7FibbFeA

— League of American Bicyclists (@BikeLeague) September 18, 2019

We need to provide frequent, reliable transit at the citywide scale. Transit that works for every type of trip, not just the commute. https://t.co/EdebG77B08

— TransitCenter (@TransitCenter) September 18, 2019

It's crazy that the federal tax code can provide about $7 billion in parking incentives, but can't figure out how to provide incentives for walking to work #BeyondEVs https://t.co/s76JnX0q9d

— Ken McLeod 🚴🚵🏃🚲 (@Kenmcld) September 18, 2019

A2. By creating and connecting more trails and trail networks! These safe + accessible routes help people get to where they need by foot and/or bike. #moretrailsplease #beyondEVs https://t.co/0XYkEW4sYg pic.twitter.com/DFtRaFkAHQ

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A2: Reliable, affordable, predictable #transit. Safe, protected routes for cyclists, scooter-users & pedestrians. A diverse range of modes to choose from. Solving first/last-mile gaps. Promoting low-carbon, healthier — and more fun! — ways to make short trips. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/NS6F2h6y6O

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

A2: Addressing and working to heal long standing institutionalized barriers like redlining and other investments (like transit) that have long been exclusive to more affluent neighborhoods. #beyondEVs https://t.co/NwXGFNUSJg

— Downtown On the Go (@DowntownOntheGo) September 18, 2019

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Question 3: What changes do we need (at the federal, state, and/or local level) to place destinations closer to where people live?

Q3: One way to reduce driving is to build things (like housing, jobs, grocery stores, schools, parks, etc.) closer together. What changes do we need (at the federal, state, and/or local level) to place destinations closer to where people live? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/XBx7xLs8sO

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A3: Land use and transportation are intricately related. We need to reform our zoning codes and rethink the way that we develop our cities and towns in order to support zero-carbon transportation options. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore #CoveringClimateNow https://t.co/imkqOEfmJH

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

A3. Trails—and other active transportation infrastructure—should be a priority when planning for places across the country, helping to make it easier for people to choose to walk/bike in their communities. #BeyondEVs #TrailOrientedDevelopment https://t.co/z1ZsZS6SWA pic.twitter.com/rjToDzULYv

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A3: If states and metros had to set targets for reducing emissions and VMT, they’d be incentivized to work with local planners & officials to better coordinate transportation and land use to make that happen. #BeyondEVs 1/4 https://t.co/cNzBkezX3y

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A3: I’m launching the Future of Transportation Caucus with @RepPressley to address these exact issues. We need better land-use policy like using more equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD). https://t.co/BwIVHq6qAV

— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) September 18, 2019

A3: Build it [close] & they will come (on foot, bikes, scooters, bus, metro)! The easiest, most effective way to radically change how we travel: change land use to put people’s daily needs like parks, stores, services, schools, jobs nearby. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/bNpG80zoS3

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

A3: Legalize compact, mixed-use, parking-free development. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/wTwEkvTAg9

— TransitCenter (@TransitCenter) September 18, 2019

In #MA7, most car trips are short distances & could alternatively be made on bike, foot, or public transit w/ the right infrastructure. It’s time for us to rethink our investments in #transportation to prioritize sustainable transit & transportation #justice. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/Xuz1AV22Mt

— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) September 18, 2019

A3 Right now, 50% of vehicle trips to school could be easily covered on foot or bike. With the right policies and investments, we can bring that number up. #BeyondEVs #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/AovQvGXFKp

— Safe Routes Partnership (@SafeRoutesNow) September 18, 2019

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Question 4: The feds dedicate the vast majority of transportation money to building highways. How can we better distribute funding to reduce climate pollution?

Q4: The feds dedicate the vast majority of transportation money to building highways. How can we better distribute funding to reduce climate pollution? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/9ge0ZeY2LJ

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A4: Fund just about anything other than building new highways! #BeyondEVshttps://t.co/KedNrsyq6khttps://t.co/fBFfjcBLvf https://t.co/bVnc46XNim

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A4: Washington needs to set goals and performance metrics to reduce climate emissions, then each state can determine how best to meet them. We back this up with infrastructure and clean energy jobs that will support the local economy. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/HM9b8GdwPX

— Shared-Use Mobility Center (@SharedUseCenter) September 18, 2019

A4. We believe in balanced transportation investment that recognizes the demand for human-centered mobility 👟🚲🛴& recalibrates where $$ go so that infrastructure is re-shaped to meet everyone’s needs. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/BhJWT4pWyt pic.twitter.com/aBskosDrX5

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A4: Price transportation based on its impacts — walking, biking, and taking transit should be cheaper, and more convenient, than driving. Give priority funding to transportation projects that provide the most societal good. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore https://t.co/TCNQWw7x80

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

A4: Potholes. Uneven pavement. Awful road conditions. Sound familiar? We complain, but when choosing how to spend $$$, many officials opt for more roads. (That’s why GHG emissions from the #transportation sector are 📈!) #BeyondEVs https://t.co/rRUhzfoXKj

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

Even better, when states neglect their maintenance needs and build more lane-miles instead, they are rewarded with more money because of formulas that distribute money based on VMT and lane-miles. Thats 🤪 https://t.co/E3tSytz5hX

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A4 States and regions can integrate transit and complete streets into long-range plans. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/uRB9DO5IZQ

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) September 18, 2019

A4: 🤔 How about actually funding transit, biking, & walking, instead of allocating pennies for these programs? Right now "we guarantee states over $40b annually for hwys, & only $2.6b is available for new/expanded #publictransit” https://t.co/TwCwIWUzsL #BeyondEVs https://t.co/jK2TEZEtud pic.twitter.com/odn0y3xOvX

— National Complete Streets Coalition (@completestreets) September 18, 2019

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Question 5: What else is missing from the debate about transportation and climate change?

Q5: What else is missing from the debate about transportation and climate change? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/5yZObCb503

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

The historical ratio of 80% funding for roads & 20% for transit (bus, trains, subways) is outdated & based on decisions from the 1980s. It’s time we revisit that & stop accepting the status quo. Change is hard, but we can build the kind of cities we want to live in. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/nfT2UW4bEI

— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) September 18, 2019

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is ignored. There are over 260 million cars in the U.S.—they won’t all become electric fast enough. Driving just 10% less would reduce the same amount of emissions as taking about 28 coal plants offline for a year. https://t.co/Cb3ycO0bG6 https://t.co/dT2DKEK41a

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A5: The people who are impacted by the debate and the resulting policies #BeyondEvs https://t.co/bp0icKMNus

— America Walks (@americawalks) September 18, 2019

A5. Walking + biking account for ~11% of the trips—but make up about 2% of the federal transportation budget.

The strong demand for walking + biking should be accommodated so that it’s easier for people to get around by foot/bike. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/kXgTpfzMMm

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A5: With all the money we spend on building our way out of congestion, we could have well-maintained roads, complete streets, safe routes for bikes/pedestrians, revitalized downtowns, neighborhood commercial centers… joyful places to live, work & visit. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/z5mjoFZ85d

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

We need an all-of-the-above approach: EVs, smart growth, TOD, transit, complete streets, walking and cycling to achieve GHG goals. #CleanCongestion is what we'll get if we rely only on technology to meet climate goals. https://t.co/AthPHFmRUb https://t.co/1vxVIF3tI6

— Steve Winkelman (@stevewink) September 18, 2019

A5: The solution to reducing emissions isn't just better fuel efficiency & electric cars. The real solution is reducing vehicle miles traveled & we achieve that by building cities that connect people with where they need to go (school, work, groceries) using less cars! #BeyondEVs https://t.co/vgjKoWfmfY

— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) September 18, 2019

A5: Any discussion about transportation and climate *must* include land use. Otherwise we end up with this. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/OQuthyjIbZ pic.twitter.com/ZxIs60MlUA

— National Complete Streets Coalition (@completestreets) September 18, 2019

My girl @GretaThunberg is missing! I love that she took a boat to the US – but flying is only 9% of US transpo emissions. Driving is most of it. We gots to drive less. @AOC @billmckibben @newconsensus @sunrisemvmt https://t.co/dokyEv8kCe

— Jenna Fortunati (@jennafortunati) September 18, 2019

A5: We need to focus more intently on how to provide more transit service. The key to growing ridership is to run buses and trains more often, more places, during more the day and night. But federal policy is not oriented around operations whatsoever. https://t.co/25Gh1yC2Fv

— TransitCenter (@TransitCenter) September 18, 2019

A5 Health costs associated with traffic crashes, air pollution, and physical inactivity add up to hundreds of billions of dollars each year, but health is typically not considered in transportation policy and planning. Need to include public health metrics. #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/OK0cgC1WuY

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) September 18, 2019

A5: We don’t talk enough about how much states are spending on building new highways — and the GHG and climate effects of all that new driving. Also takes money away from projects that give people more options to reduce their footprint. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore https://t.co/uK0iJtWeGD

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

Environmental justice. Communities of color bear the brunt of climate change and are on the frontlines of economic and environmental change. They need to be the table as we find solution. @frontandcenterd @PugetSoundSage @SenSaldana #BeyondEVs https://t.co/AWISsjVd9P

— Transportation Choices Coalition (@TranspoChoices) September 18, 2019

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Question 6: Reducing the amount/length we drive is essential for lowering transportation emissions. What are additional benefits of reducing the distance we drive?

Q6: Reducing the amount/length we drive is essential for lowering transportation emissions. What are additional benefits of reducing the distance we drive? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/gzsUd0gYoW

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A6: Reducing driving—and increasing rates of biking, walking, and transit ridership—have huge public health benefits. For example, there is a link between time spent sitting in a car and higher risk factors for diseases and obesity. https://t.co/UyueaPGBLO #BeyondEVs 1/3 https://t.co/zHoS42f9S3

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A6: Increasing accessibility and safety of biking & walking would give more people a low cost, convenient option for transportation. It would also improve the health outcomes for people in our communities + reduce exposure to cars for those using active transportation. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/q681bK7Na0

— League of American Bicyclists (@BikeLeague) September 18, 2019

A6. Many local trips can be walked or biked—both are ways to opt-out of traffic congestion, so you can spend MORE time doing what you want to be doing 😊! #BeyondEVs https://t.co/zKHgRkxjcB pic.twitter.com/qdARvN2TpI

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A6 Options! Transportation options are always good. Improving safe routes for people to bike, for example, can help cities reach their climate change goals AS WELL AS their health, equity, and economic goals. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/Fm23zpHcQb

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) September 18, 2019

A6 Health! Kids need 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and walking or biking to school is a fun and easy way to fit activity into your daily routine. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/Qcsaxg43A1 pic.twitter.com/woAiPzxz87

— Safe Routes Partnership (@SafeRoutesNow) September 18, 2019

A6: Cars are safer than they used to be. But motor vehicle crashes each year still kill an estimated 40,000 Americans and seriously injure 4.5 million. The fewer miles we drive, the fewer people will be killed or injured in crashes. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore https://t.co/Iw6SQofhqL

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

A6: A 2019 study found than an increase in transit ridership is associated with lower obesity rates across the US. There are benefits for social health and the community culture too. More mobility options = greater personal mobility. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/Se9txtF4fe https://t.co/Xx0SBaiJlM

— Shared-Use Mobility Center (@SharedUseCenter) September 18, 2019

A6: Most health-harming "particulate matter” from cars comes from tire wear, roadway wear, and other sources beyond the tailpipe. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/Ra2KjEMj6T https://t.co/8OKvFqeyGM

— TransitCenter (@TransitCenter) September 18, 2019

A6: The numerous mental, social, and physical wellness benefits that come to individuals when we walk, not to mention the opportunities for social and civic engagement #BeyondEVs

— America Walks (@americawalks) September 18, 2019

A6: If you’re walking or biking: it’s exercise! Plus, it’s more fun. You don’t have to sit in traffic. It gives us a better sense of community. If you’re on the train or a bus, you can read, check your emails, browse the internet, etc. #BeyondEVs @t4america #DriveLessLiveMore https://t.co/Iw6SQofhqL

— U.S. PIRG (@uspirg) September 18, 2019

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Question 7: The implicit goal of the federal transportation program is to increase and encourage driving, which raises emissions. What would be a better, explicit, stated goal?

Q7: The implicit goal of the federal transportation program is to increase and encourage driving, which raises emissions. What would be a better, explicit, stated goal? #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/T8mc2qJsuB

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A7: Our goal should always be safety and efficiently connecting people to where they need to go: to jobs, schools, and all of the places that make life worthwhile. We have to think #BeyondEVs and make driving less a specific goal. @kevin_degood @AVGregR @AdieTomer @rpuentes https://t.co/vjl3zyeumu

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

A7: Dreaming big: to enable people to get where they need to go without a car. Cars will always be an option, but "transportation" ≠ "cars." Our transport system should connect people efficiently, safely, affordably, and without destroying the planet. #BeyondEVs #WednesdayWidsom https://t.co/x7wsVQl5Yz

— Smart Growth America (@SmartGrowthUSA) September 18, 2019

A7. Goal: To enable people to get where they need to go & to the things they need safely, affordably, cleanly, healthfully, and happily.

We should prioritize what serves people best over what serves cars best! #BeyondEVs https://t.co/OA3Uo8RdeW pic.twitter.com/IYckNw6cPI

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) September 18, 2019

A7: You can’t manage what you don’t measure. A USDOT plan to measure #transportation GHG emissions was scrapped. If we aren’t measuring them… how can we take steps to reduce them? #BeyondEVs https://t.co/QnK2BoMplC

— NUMO Alliance (@NUMOalliance) September 18, 2019

A7 A fair, just opportunity to achieve the best health possible. #BeyondEVs pic.twitter.com/0JM8cs0VUe

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) September 18, 2019

A7: Providing opportunities and options for people to get where they need to go however they want to get there. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/fba3oBl5T9

— America Walks (@americawalks) September 18, 2019

A7: To make it possible for everyone to get around their communities in clean transportation, without needing a car. For this to happen, we need all kinds of transit to work better: flexible, on-demand, multiple modes, connected and seamless. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/oDYAoU3Jul

— Shared-Use Mobility Center (@SharedUseCenter) September 18, 2019

A7: When more people ride bikes, life is better for everyone. Biking is joyful, and it’s also healthful. So, an ideal goal for our transportation system could be: giving Americans the freedom to safely go from one place to another regardless of how they get around. #BeyondEVs https://t.co/gkAUXFnCEe

— League of American Bicyclists (@BikeLeague) September 18, 2019

Emphasize how better transportation policy supports families & improves lives on an individual level, too! There’re very real positive ripple effects, that in turn have positive impacts out to & for communities & beyond! #beyondEVs https://t.co/3jGl4UgOio

— Jaime Brush, M.S. (@jaime_brush) September 18, 2019

Wow – what an amazing #beyondEVs tweet chat! 👏👏👏 to our amazing co-hosts: @SmartGrowthUSA @americawalks @bikeleague @railstotrails @SaludAmerica @SharedUseCntr @TransitCenter @uspirg – and thank you to everyone who participated! pic.twitter.com/FD96xRDNjj

— Transportation for America (@T4America) September 18, 2019

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