THE CHALLENGE
Transportation is major contributor to global warming emissions such as carbon dioxide and the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the U.S and in New Jersey. Within the transportation sector passenger vehicles that operate on gasoline or diesel are the largest emitters of GHGs. Reducing the use of single occupancy vehicles is critical to limiting warming and the negative impacts of climate change. While transportation emissions affect everyone, disadvantaged communities, including predominantly communities of color and low-income communities, bear the greatest consequences from the effects of climate change. Local government along with all other levels of government can take immediate steps to change how we get around by investing in sustainable transportation.

FEDERAL AND STATE PRIORITIES
The federal government and NJ have shared goals to decarbonize the transportation system which will in turn produce climate co-benefits such as improved air quality, community health, and safety, and reduced travel time, congestion, and noise pollution. The federal government is committed to a 50% reduction in US emissions by 2030, and a net-zero economy by 2050, and is working to ensure that at least 40% of climate investment benefits go to disadvantaged communities. NJ’s plans are closely aligned as the state seeks to reduce emissions by 50% from 2006 by 2030 and 80% from 2006 by 2050.