The transportation sector is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US epa.gov/ghgemissions/s
While the Manchin-Schumer reconciliation agreement will encourage declines in transport emissions, it falls far short of being transformative on this front.
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The bill would include major new and point-of-sale tax credits for new & used electric cars. That's essential for helping the US catch up on vehicle electrification, where it has fallen far behind. twitter.com/johnvoelcker/s urban.org/urban-wire/car
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Whoa! The proposed Senate deal w/Manchin, *IF* it passes, would extend "clean-car" incentives for #EV purchase. (THREAD)
- AND, it would convert them to a point-of-sale rebate. Hurray, hurray, hurray
- Also adds a $4,000 credit f/used clean cars.
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But what the bill would do *nothing* on is:
—Encourage mode shift out of cars (it provides $0 for e-bikes & nothing for transit electrification);
—Encourage more environmentally sensitive land uses; and
—Reduce the resource intensity of the transport sector.
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This is very concerning. As I noted last night, one of the primary impacts of this bill is simply reaffirming the automobile dependency of the US, giving people huge incentives to invest in cars—and doing almost nothing for an alternative system.
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My immediate takeaway: While this bill could contribute a lot to reducing US emissions, it's going to help reinforce nation's automobile dependency.
No support for transit, cycling, & just a tiny bit for a walkability program—but huge amounts for tax credits for EV purchasing. twitter.com/igorbobic/stat…
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Without a mode shift combined with concerted efforts to encourage better land use, we'll continue to see:
—Degradation of ecological systems with urban sprawl;
—Higher emissions from the building sector;
—Higher resource needs from having to move all those cars around
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It's nice to see the US taking action on climate change—it is a huge deal to finally have a bill.
But, when it comes to transport, this bill is one-dimensional & unlikely to be transformative. It will not do much to contribute to producing vibrant, green cities we need.
I also am concerned—given overwhelmingly positive reaction among many Senators & environmentalists—that bill reflects a myopia with regard to the transport sector. We *must* think of green transport beyond just electric cars. There is so much more. End:
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It's going to be up to state & local governments to transform the auto dependence of their communities. Washington won't be the leader.
This bill may nevertheless be the best compromise environmentalists are going to get in the US this year or any year in the coming decade.
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When it comes to appliances and vehicles the only winners are the manufacturers. HVAC heat water heater ups are already up $300 in august. Lowes had them for $2300 in July. Those same water heaters are now $2600. Vehicles have already announced price went up of $6000 to $8500