Transportation accounts for 33 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel, and can account for a significant portion of a local government’s or household’s budget. Additionally, transportation generates air pollution (criteria pollutants and air toxics) that endangers public health. Efforts to improve the efficiency of transportation, reduce personal vehicle use, and encourage alternative forms of transportation help reduce air pollution and GHG emissions, improve energy security and independence, and save money.

Local governments can improve the efficiency of their own fleets by minimizing fuel consumption and emissions through reducing vehicle use, purchasing clean and efficient vehicles, and increasing their use of more efficient alternative fuels. Local governments can also employ strategies that reduce transportation-related air pollution in their jurisdictions by reducing vehicle use and encouraging more efficient use of transportation facilities. This document describes the process of developing and implementing transportation control measures, using real-world examples.