The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that reducing car dependence in the U.S. could save $6.2 trillion and make significant strides in decarbonizing transportation. By lowering vehicle miles traveled and improving public transport options, not only could health costs be reduced, but many car crash fatalities could also be avoided, providing more equitable access to mobility across communities.
A recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates that reducing American dependence on automobiles could yield significant benefits beyond mere environmental impact. This research highlights that such policies would not only contribute to decarbonizing the transportation sector but also would save an estimated $6.2 trillion. This financial benefit primarily stems from reduced vehicle ownership, fuel consumption, and associated costs for U.S. residents. The report, titled “Freedom to Move,” underscores the necessity of providing diverse travel options to facilitate a transition toward a more sustainable transportation framework. The proposal includes strategies to diminish vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by approximately 27 percent from 2035 to 2050. This goal is notably less ambitious than existing targets set in California and Washington. Achieving this reduction would obviate the need for $201 billion in new energy infrastructure required for the electric vehicle fleet in conjunction with existing gas-powered vehicles. Furthermore, the alleviation of public health expenditures, to the extent of $128 billion, would result from decreased emissions associated with traditional automotive usage. Additionally, the report emphasizes that a reduction in VMT could prevent roughly 250,000 car crash fatalities and 3.7 million injuries, which collectively impose a significant financial toll on society. The prospect of saving approximately $5.9 trillion on car payments, fuel, and insurance is contingent upon a serious commitment to reducing car reliance. Kevin Shen, the lead author of the report, argues for a more equitable transportation system through the enhancement of public transit options, enabling residents to decrease their dependence on private vehicles without necessitating complete abandonment of automobiles. Instead of acquiring additional cars, households could utilize alternative transportation modes such as e-bikes for specific trips, contingent on improved urban planning. While the report expresses optimism about the potential for diminishing car dependence, it acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by ingrained automotive culture and the substantial lobbying efforts of the auto and fossil fuel industries. Recent figures reveal that these industries allocated approximately $104 million in lobbying expenditures in 2023 alone, reinforcing their grip on transportation policy and impeding the progress towards more sustainable solutions. The researchers assert that a staggering 75 percent of transportation funding, both public and private, flows to automotive and fossil fuel industries, perpetuating a cycle of car dependency. Moreover, the auto-centric lobbying has framed streets as primarily conducive to vehicle traffic, sidelining pedestrian and cyclist needs. Not all residents benefit equally from this automotive-centric approach. Approximately 30 percent of the U.S. population does not drive, and many individuals experience financial burdens related to transportation costs, which disproportionately affect communities of color. “Freedom to Move” posits a future where freedom transcends the mere ability to drive; it envisions a transportation ecosystem that offers real choices to all residents, irrespective of their mobility capabilities. Achieving this paradigm shift is posited as essential for addressing climate change effectively.
The topic of reducing dependence on automobiles in the United States is framed within the broader context of climate action and public health. The Union of Concerned Scientists’ report presents a compelling case for why rethinking transportation strategies is crucial not only for environmental reasons but also for financial sustainability and social equity. The article emphasizes the direct relationship between vehicle dependence and the myriad challenges that arise within urban environments, including pollution, public health costs, and traffic-related fatalities, ultimately arguing for a multi-modal transportation approach as a solution.
The findings of the Union of Concerned Scientists highlight that tackling car dependence in America can deliver economic, health, and environmental benefits that collectively amount to $6.2 trillion. By fostering alternative transportation methods and reducing vehicle miles traveled, stakeholders can work towards a more equitable and sustainable society. While the battle against the entrenched automobile industry remains formidable, aligning public policy with innovative, multimodal transport solutions could pave the way for a brighter, less car-dependent future.
Original Source: usa.streetsblog.org
