Congestion Pricing and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As the study is developing a broad view and assessment of key regional and network considerations, there are important linkages to regional and state policy developments. Congestion pricing may support recent legislation requiring a reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG).
- Assembly Bill (AB) 32 establishes a first-in-the-world comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of GHG's.
- Senate Bill (SB) 375 requires California's Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regional reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and prompts the creation of regional plans to reduce emissions from vehicle use throughout the state.
California's 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)-including SCAG-have been tasked with creating "Sustainable Community Strategies" (SCS). SCAG is required to develop the SCS through integrated land use and transportation planning and demonstrate an ability to attain the proposed reduction targets by 2020 and 2035, which are key components under development in the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan.
Congestion pricing can contribute, along with a broad range of other strategies, to meeting these goals by reducing fuel wasted in travel delays, affecting the amount of driving, the choice of vehicles, and the use of alternatives to solo driving, all of which are directly related to carbon dioxide emissions, a key GHG. Congestion pricing revenues can also be used to expand public transportation and increase transit ridership, which removes GHG producing cars from the road. SCAG is working closely with its regional and local partners in achieving AB 32 and SB 375 compliance and these goals will be a key component of its Express Travel Choices study.
