美国公共交通领域应对气候变化及提升空气质量相关法律法规

Policy and Regulation System of Urban Transportation Sector on Climate Change and Air Quality Issues in California and the US

Introduction

There is a growing concern about pollution and its impact on air quality and climate change. The United States is the second largest contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for 15% of the world's total. The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US, contributing 27% of total GHG emissions in 2015. Between 1990 and 2015, GHG emissions in the transportation sector increased more in absolute terms than any other sector due to increased travel demand.

Federal and state governments have enacted legislation and standards to address these issues. For example, in 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established a 35.5 mpg standard for new light-duty vehicles by 2016. The following year, they proposed additional rules for a 54.5 mpg standard by 2025 and adopted additional GHG and fuel economy standards for other types of vehicles. At the state and local levels, 23 states have adopted GHG reduction targets, 35 states have developed climate action plans, and 500 mayors have signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement.

Transportation air pollution and GHG reduction can be achieved through five key areas: vehicles, fuels, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), operational efficiency, and construction, maintenance, and agency operations. Efforts have traditionally focused on vehicles and fuels, but there is now a growing emphasis on reducing VMT, as even small increases in travel can pose a significant challenge to meeting environmental targets.

Federal Level Policies

Structure of Federal Transportation Agencies

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Established to protect human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
• Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): A division of the Executive Office of the President that coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies on environmental and energy policies.
• United States Department of Transportation (USDOT): A federal Cabinet department concerned with transportation. Its mission is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system. It has 10 subdivisions, including:
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): Specializes in highway transportation. Major activities include the Federal-aid Highway Program and the Federal Lands Highway Program.
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): Promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations, administers railroad assistance programs, conducts research and development, and consolidates government support of rail transportation activities.
  • Federal Transit Administration (FTA): Provides financial and technical assistance to local public transportation systems. It oversees grants to state and local transit providers.
  • Surface Transportation Board (STB): Has broad economic regulatory oversight of railroads, including rates, service, construction, acquisition, and abandonment of rail lines, carrier mergers, and traffic interchange among carriers.

State Level Policies

California – Major Environmental and Transportation Policies

• California’s Transportation and Environmental Agencies: Various agencies focus on transportation and environmental policies.
• Executive Orders: California has issued several executive orders aimed at reducing GHG emissions.
• Legislative Bills: Multiple bills have been introduced to address transportation and environmental issues.
• California Transportation Plan 2040 (CTP 2040): A comprehensive plan to guide transportation investments and strategies.
• California State Rail Plan 2018: Focuses on improving rail infrastructure and services.
• California Statewide Transit Strategic Plan (CSTSP): Aims to enhance statewide transit services.
• California Clean Air Act: Addresses air quality issues in the state.
• Regional Transportation Plan Guidelines for MPOs: Provides guidelines for metropolitan planning organizations.
• SCAG RTP/SCS 2016: Specific regional transportation plan guidelines.

Local Level Policies

Los Angeles: 50 Years of Air Quality Improvements

• Significant progress has been made in reducing air pollution in Los Angeles over the past 50 years.

Portland: Climate Action Champion

• Portland has been a leader in implementing climate action plans and reducing GHG emissions.

Recommendations

• The report summarizes various legislative and planning efforts at federal, state, and local levels aimed at improving public transportation efficiency and quality, focusing on public transit, biking/walking, and land use integration. Improving public transportation can help shift travel from high-emission private cars to cleaner modes, thereby reducing transportation sector emissions.