Abstract
California has set ambitious goals for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. To meet these goals, the state must achieve a 15 percent reduction in total travel by light-duty vehicles by 2050 compared to expected levels. Under current state policies, reductions of this magnitude are unlikely.
Strong empirical evidence supports strategies across four categories that can reduce vehicle miles of travel (VMT) (1) pricing, (2) infill development, (3) transportation investments, and (4) travel demand-management programs. The state can directly implement some of these strategies, particularly pricing strategies, through state-level policies. Others depend on actions by regional and local governments, though state-level policies can encourage their implementation through incentives, requirements, or other mechanisms.
