When you live in Los Angeles like we do, you quickly learn that the reason public transportation isn’t a viable option for much of the population is because the region was developed with a sprawling, suburban mentality.
California’s state lawmakers have passed a bill that would attempt to reward local governments that develop urban planning methods that prevent urban sprawl, improve public transportation and — as a result — reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
“The bill’s proponents and transportation experts say it is the first measure in the nation to link government transportation funding with urban planning and CO2-reduction goals,” The Wall Street Journal reported today. . . . Transportation experts say they expect the bill to become a model for state and national policy makers.”
Under the new bill, regional planning authorities will have to develop realistic plans to meet emission-reduction targets in order to receive transportation funding and lighter regulations for builders. Compact projects built close to public-transportation options are rewarded with fewer regulatory hurdles.
It’s not yet clear whether Gov. Schwarzenegger will sign the bill.
Stories You Might Like
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
