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Trip Pollard, a senior attorney at SELC, is the leader of our Land and Community Program. This program promotes cleaner, more equitable transportation and better growth. In addition to his regional and national work, Trip is the point person for most on-the-ground transportation and land use policy work with Virginia’s top state officials and is based in our Richmond office just blocks from the Capitol. Here he shares his thoughts about transportation and land use issues and solutions for combating inequities and climate change.
The future of transportation and land use
We’ve got to fundamentally change transportation and land use. Not only is transportation the largest source of carbon pollution in our region, but across the country. And an asphalt-centered transportation approach coupled with sprawling development are primary causes of a host of environmental problems–including the climate crisis, air and water pollution, and the loss of forests, farmland, and wetlands. We repeatedly see destructive cycles of building and widening roads that then spur more driving and more congestion, as well as scattered development where you have no choice but to drive—and to drive long distances—to get to work or complete daily tasks.
Transportation and land-use decisions are also key contributors to racial/economic inequalities that limit individual opportunity and cause disproportionate harm to communities of color, and those with lower incomes.
These pressing problems can be solved by providing cleaner, more equitable alternatives for driving and more walkable, transit-oriented developments so that we can easily get where we want to without needing to drive. We must also reduce the pollution caused by the vehicles we use. Electrifying transportation is a part of the solution to climate change. EVs are becoming more popular. We must accelerate the transition to EVs and electrify schools, transit buses, delivery trucks, as well as other vehicles.
Rural communities
Sometimes rural communities can feel left out of conversations about transportation and land use, even though they’re often hit particularly hard by the lack of access to jobs and health services, the high cost of driving, and the loss of farmland and open space that comes with traditional development. Many landfills and other harmful facilities are targeted at rural communities of color or those with lower incomes. SELC’s Land & Community Program seeks to partner with these communities as they work to protect public health, explore ways to modernize transportation systems, and fight to keep polluting industries out of their backyards.
Climate solutions and climate action
Climate action cannot be delayed. We’re already experiencing the high costs and life-threatening damage a changing climate brings. This is a crisis that we must address. We must address this emergency by reducing our emissions immediately. We’re a car-based society and the South is especially dependent on driving and is a big contributor of pollution. Carbon pollution can be reduced by providing alternatives, such as rail and transit, by electrifying other transportation modes and revitalizing communities. This will require action from all levels of government, as well as individuals and communities. While I believe there are many people who are willing to help and make changes, without a coordinated response, the climate crisis will only worsen.
On wins and priorities
We’ve made some tremendous progress, such as adopting clean car standards in Virginia that are projected to cut carbon more than any other single policy the state has adopted, halting dozens of destructive highway projects throughout our region, and helping to secure significant funding for rail and transit in a number of our states and metro areas. We’ve got a long way to go, but change is happening, and SELC is committed to protecting our natural and human environment and to ensuring clean, healthy, and thriving communities for all.
