transportation
California's first hydrogen-powered train brings clean energy to rail travel
The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, a hydrogen-powered passenger train, will soon operate in Southern California, marking a significant step toward clean energy in U.S. rail travel.
In short:
- The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (Zemu), the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S., will run in Southern California, reducing emissions in a heavily polluted region.
- The train's hybrid system uses hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.
- California plans further investment in hydrogen-powered transport to meet future carbon-neutrality goals.
Key quote:
“What we have done with Zemu is transformational. The development of the train has solidified SBCTA’s place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation.”
— Ray Marquez, president of the San Bernardino County Transit Authority
Why this matters:
Hydrogen-powered trains offer a promising alternative to diesel, reducing air pollution in communities near rail corridors. Expanding this technology could significantly lower transportation-related emissions nationwide.
Related: California faces challenges with hydrogen energy plan
Keep reading...Show less
A 1960s effort to ban gas-powered cars offers lessons for today
In the late 1960s, California Senator Nicholas Petris nearly succeeded in banning gas-powered cars, a battle echoing today’s climate debates.
In short:
- Nicholas Petris pushed for a ban on gas-powered cars in California starting in 1975, responding to growing concerns over smog and air pollution.
- Despite initial ridicule, Petris’ bill passed the state Senate but was ultimately defeated due to intense lobbying by the auto industry.
- The movement to phase out gas cars gained traction nationwide, influencing future emissions standards.
Key quote:
“The damage has been done The car is now looked upon like some kind of dangerous drug.”
— San Jose car dealer, reflecting on public sentiment
Why this matters:
The struggle to phase out gas-powered cars has a long history, revealing that industry resistance and public advocacy play critical roles in environmental change efforts.
Related:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Pixabay
Extreme heat is damaging America's transportation infrastructure
Record heat in summer 2024 is straining America’s infrastructure, causing issues like stuck bridges and buckling roads, and disrupting transportation systems.
In short:
- The Third Avenue Bridge in New York jammed after metal expansion caused by heat, and roads in Washington and Wisconsin have buckled, disrupting traffic.
- Amtrak and other rail systems face delays due to heat-induced rail expansion, which can cause derailments and safety hazards.
- Engineers are using innovative solutions, including heat-resistant materials and advanced monitoring systems, to address these challenges.
Key quote:
“Like human bodies, infrastructure needs to be maintained from the beginning to reduce costs and increase the potential for effective rehabilitation.”
— Suyun Paul Ham, associate professor of civil engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events will increasingly threaten aging infrastructure, leading to safety hazards and costly disruptions. Effective engineering solutions and timely maintenance are vital to enhance the resilience of critical transportation networks.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Pixabay
Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather
Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.
In short:
- Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
- Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
- High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.
Key quote:
“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”
— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak
Why this matters:
Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.
Be sure to read our related coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: sfe-co2/Big Stock Photo
Hawaii agrees to a zero-emission transportation deadline
Hawaii has reached a legal settlement with young climate activists, requiring the state to achieve zero emissions in its transportation sector by 2045.
In short:
- The lawsuit, filed by 13 young people, claimed Hawaii's transportation policies violated their constitutional rights by contributing to climate change.
- The settlement mandates Hawaii to fully decarbonize its ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation by 2045.
- This agreement includes oversight by the court to ensure compliance and faster progress towards emission reduction goals.
Key quote:
“This is an extraordinary, unprecedented victory for the youth plaintiffs.”
— Michael Gerrard, faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University
Why this matters:
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing climate change by targeting transportation emissions, a major contributor to greenhouse gases. It also demonstrates the power of youth activism in influencing environmental policy.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Kyler Boone/Unsplash
New York's congestion pricing delay highlights American transportation challenges
New York City's plan to implement congestion pricing, a strategy to reduce traffic and fund public transit, remains stalled years after approval.
In short:
- New York City approved congestion pricing five years ago to curb traffic and lower emissions in Manhattan.
- The plan aimed to charge vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district to discourage unnecessary driving.
- Despite potential environmental and traffic benefits, the plan has faced significant delays and has not yet been implemented.
Why this matters:
Congestion pricing could significantly reduce traffic and pollution in densely populated areas, offering a model for other cities. Each year of delay means more cars on the road, more emissions, and missed opportunities to make significant strides toward a greener, more efficient transportation system.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: SoulRider.222 / Eric Rider/Flickr
Colorado shifts focus from highways to transit
Colorado is prioritizing transit over highway expansion to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a move that also has environmental justice implications.
In short:
- Colorado canceled plans to widen Interstate 25 and redirected $100 million to transit projects.
- The state’s Transportation Commission adopted a rule requiring new projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or risk losing funding.
- Other states, like Minnesota, Maryland and New York, are considering similar legislation to follow Colorado's lead.
Key quote:
“We really regard the Colorado rule as the gold standard for how states should address transportation climate strategy.”
— Ben Holland, manager at RMI, a national sustainability nonprofit
Why this matters:
Reducing highway expansion in favor of transit investments is important in lowering transportation emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change and have disproportionately impacted communities of color. This shift not only aims to improve air quality but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing climate challenges. Read more: Black communities must lead the charge to repair harm from freeways.
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
