Congress needs to take a multi-pronged, tailored approach to the transportation sector to drive down emissions and increase the sector’s resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts. Improving a vehicle’s efficiency, for example, will not be enough if that vehicle travels farther each year.
Expedite deployment of zero-emission vehicles in the sectors where they are already available while making new gasoline-powered vehicles as clean as possible.
Grow the U.S. domestic supply chain and manufacturing base for zero-emission vehicles as a key strategy to retain and create good-paying jobs.
Support the development of low-carbon liquid fuels for passenger vehicles and other transportation modes, such as aviation, shipping, and long-haul trucking.
Invest in RDD&D to develop new zero-emission technologies for the harder-to-decarbonize parts of the transportation sector.
Provide all Americans with lower-carbon, convenient, and affordable transportation options, including a massive expansion of public transit.
Support states and localities in their efforts to adopt transit-oriented, smart growth strategies and make housing, businesses, and critical services more accessible.
Reduce pollution from heavy-duty trucks, transit buses, and school buses by replacing dirtier vehicles with cleaner options and prioritizing near-port and environmental justice communities.
Cut pollution from the aviation and shipping sectors by developing low-carbon alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies.
Expand, maintain, and modernize the nation’s rail network to provide Americans more options for long-distance travel.
Adapt, operate, and strengthen the nation’s transportation systems to be more resilient to climate impacts.