Climate Change and Energy Strategy Summary

This strategy paper considers how the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) might incorporate goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, prepare for climate change impacts on Transportation systems, and reduce energy within the GO TO 2040 plan. The intent is to assist CMAP as it incorporates policies, investments, and other actions within scenarios to accomplish climate change and energy goals. This strategy paper will assist CMAP in identifying areas needing more in-depth exploration. The paper will also provide input for targeted communications materials that CMAP may develop to inform stakeholders of climate change and energy issues and of successful related activities by peer organizations. Such materials will assist CMAP to gain support from key constituencies for climate change and energy actions and for the overall plan, and will assist in developing partnerships required to advance climate change and energy actions.

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• Summary
• Introduction
• Analysis / Synthesis
• Recommendations
• Innovative Practices
• By Peer MPOs
• By States
• By Multi-State Regions
• Current and Evolving Federal Policy
• Appendices

A sample of findings:

• While many metropolitan regions are expecting to see decreases in NOx and VOC due to cleaner fuel and improved fuel economy, VMT and CO₂ is expected to significantly increase over the next several decades
• Nearly 800 mayors in the US, from all 50 states, have agreed to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 to at least 7 percent below 1990 levels, but many cities will not be able to meet this goal absent complementary state and Federal policies
• As more drivers shift to more fuel efficient vehicles, less revenue is generated for the Highway Trust Fund, which is the major source of federal funds provided to states and metropolitan areas for roads and transit

If you're interested in learning more about climate change and green house gas emissions, please review the following strategy report, completed by the Volpe Transporation Center for CMAP. Comments and criticism are encouraged.

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