Climate and Land Use

State Climate and Land Use

Transportation is the largest and fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in California.

The state has long abdicated its responsibility on creating any effective framework for land use and transportation policy, and the impacts of this are felt every day. Californians are burdened with the country’s worst traffic and air quality and too many families are stuck with long commutes and few transportation choices.

The Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, is creating an incredible window of opportunity to address these issues. Combined with SB 375, AB 32 provides a chance to create a whole new paradigm focused on walkable communities connected by world-class public transportation. We have the opportunity to provide homes and transportation affordable to all residents, to protect our remaining farms and open spaces, and to focus investment on existing communities.

But without a strong movement to ensure AB 32 has strong transportation and land use policies, and that regions have the tools to meet the climate goals, these landmark laws will not be realized.

That is why TransForm helped co-found ClimatePlan, a collaboration of environmental and planning organizations working to ensure smart land use is a key component of California’s climate strategy. ClimatePlan has quickly become an important voice for smart growth and is growing more powerful as public health, social equity, and other stakeholders join its efforts.

If there ever was a time for bold action, it is now. Dozens of other states and the federal government are looking to California as a model for addressing climate change. Together we can meet our climate goals by harnessing the very things that will make California an even better place to live.

• Ensure that California's groundbreaking climate plan include policies that promotesustainable land use and transportation to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissionsinvolve stakeholders from all across California, particularly regions that are underrepresented in state policy discussions, such as the San Joaquin Valley.
• Ensure that a broad range of groups, including social justice, affordable housing, conservation and public health groups have a voice in shaping state climate policy.
• Work with key partners to coordinate a targeted media and education campaign to raise awareness of the connection between land use and climate change.
• Disseminate best practices nationally to ensure California’s groundbreaking policies are replicated in other states and at the federal level.

To learn more or get active on these issues please visit ClimatePlan's website or send an email to .