Smart Growth In the News

Building new homes in compact neighborhoods with stores or services within walking distance could significantly reduce the growth in the number of miles Americans drive, reducing automobile emissions that increase carbon output, a new report said.

In a review of dozens of studies, the researchers conclude in a report published by the Urban Land Institute that development patterns are both a key contributor to climate change and an essential factor in combating it.

The report, released last week by Environment Colorado, Urban Land Institute and the Sierra Club, warns that if sprawling development continues to fuel growth in driving, the projected 59 percent increase in the total miles driven between 2005 and 2030 will overwhelm expected gains from vehicle and fuel efficiency.

Even if the most stringent fuel-efficiency proposals under consideration are enacted, vehicle emissions still would be 40 percent above 1990 levels in 2030, according to "Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change.”

“Colorado is poised to come out with vitally important goals for reducing our state’s global warming pollution,” said Pam Kiely, land use advocate with Environment Colorado. “But to meet the challenge, we need to start driving down our growth in vehicle emissions, instead of simply driving around the problem.”