transportation
Newsletter
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Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather
Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.
In short:
- Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
- Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
- High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.
Key quote:
“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”
— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak
Why this matters:
Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.
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Hawaii agrees to a zero-emission transportation deadline
Hawaii has reached a legal settlement with young climate activists, requiring the state to achieve zero emissions in its transportation sector by 2045.
In short:
- The lawsuit, filed by 13 young people, claimed Hawaii's transportation policies violated their constitutional rights by contributing to climate change.
- The settlement mandates Hawaii to fully decarbonize its ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation by 2045.
- This agreement includes oversight by the court to ensure compliance and faster progress towards emission reduction goals.
Key quote:
“This is an extraordinary, unprecedented victory for the youth plaintiffs.”
— Michael Gerrard, faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University
Why this matters:
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing climate change by targeting transportation emissions, a major contributor to greenhouse gases. It also demonstrates the power of youth activism in influencing environmental policy.
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Credit: Kyler Boone/Unsplash
New York's congestion pricing delay highlights American transportation challenges
New York City's plan to implement congestion pricing, a strategy to reduce traffic and fund public transit, remains stalled years after approval.
In short:
- New York City approved congestion pricing five years ago to curb traffic and lower emissions in Manhattan.
- The plan aimed to charge vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district to discourage unnecessary driving.
- Despite potential environmental and traffic benefits, the plan has faced significant delays and has not yet been implemented.
Why this matters:
Congestion pricing could significantly reduce traffic and pollution in densely populated areas, offering a model for other cities. Each year of delay means more cars on the road, more emissions, and missed opportunities to make significant strides toward a greener, more efficient transportation system.
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Credit: SoulRider.222 / Eric Rider/Flickr
Colorado shifts focus from highways to transit
Colorado is prioritizing transit over highway expansion to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a move that also has environmental justice implications.
In short:
- Colorado canceled plans to widen Interstate 25 and redirected $100 million to transit projects.
- The state’s Transportation Commission adopted a rule requiring new projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or risk losing funding.
- Other states, like Minnesota, Maryland and New York, are considering similar legislation to follow Colorado's lead.
Key quote:
“We really regard the Colorado rule as the gold standard for how states should address transportation climate strategy.”
— Ben Holland, manager at RMI, a national sustainability nonprofit
Why this matters:
Reducing highway expansion in favor of transit investments is important in lowering transportation emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change and have disproportionately impacted communities of color. This shift not only aims to improve air quality but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing climate challenges. Read more: Black communities must lead the charge to repair harm from freeways.
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US imposes tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect domestic industry
President Joe Biden's administration has increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, a move supported by U.S. automakers to shield local jobs and investments from low-cost imports.
In short:
- The Biden administration raised the tariff on Chinese electric vehicles to 100%, aiming to support U.S. electric vehicle and battery production.
- This tariff strategy reflects concerns about China's potential to flood the U.S. market with economically priced electric vehicles, challenging domestic manufacturers.
- U.S. automakers argue that such protective measures are vital for maintaining competitiveness and safeguarding American jobs.
Key quote:
"Today’s announcement is a necessary response to combat the Chinese government’s unfair trade practices that endanger the future of our auto industry."
— Senator Gary Peters, Michigan Democrat
Why this matters:
The move underscores growing unease over China's rapid advancements in the electric vehicle sector, which pose significant competition to U.S. manufacturers. By imposing these tariffs, the U.S. aims to prevent market saturation with cheaper imports, thereby encouraging local production and technological innovation in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.
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New climate-focused Build Green Act targets $500 billion in transportation reform
Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposes a $500 billion investment in green transportation to combat U.S. carbon emissions, aiming to modernize infrastructure and boost the economy.
In short:
- The Build Green Act focuses on reducing carbon emissions by allocating significant funds to public transit and green infrastructure projects.
- Priority will be given to projects that support collective transportation and reduce air pollution, emphasizing environmental justice.
- The legislation also includes provisions for labor standards and equitable distribution of funds to rural and disadvantaged communities.
Key quote:
"The time to accelerate towards a clean energy future is now. Modernizing our transportation grid will pump billions into the economy, create green union jobs, and safeguard against the worst effects of climate change. That’s good news across the board."
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
Why this matters:
Green transportation encompasses a variety of technologies including electric vehicles (EVs), high-speed rail systems, and expanded public transit networks. These technologies not only promise to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional combustion engines but also aim to overhaul the commuting experience by offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient alternatives.
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Remote work and its climate implications explored
Mandates to return to office settings clash with corporate environmental goals, as remote work proves beneficial for reducing carbon emissions.
In short:
- Data shows that increased remote work could significantly cut carbon emissions, potentially aligning with corporate climate targets.
- Studies suggest that commuting contributes heavily to indirect emissions from businesses, which are often overlooked.
- Remote work reduces individual carbon footprints by 54%, even when accounting for increased home energy use and travel.
Key quote:
"It seems like a very obvious solution to a very pressing and real problem."
— Curtis Sparrer, co-founder of Bospar
Why this matters:
As businesses face pressure to meet climate pledges, the increase in remote working offers a viable way to reduce transportation-related emissions. However, widespread mandates for in-person work conflict with these environmental commitments, raising questions about corporate responsibility and environmental integrity.
Flashback to EHN’s 2020 tips for remote work in a COVID-19 world.
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