Changing our ways with transportation…
September 1, 2023
It is hard to think about life without a car, and the unfortunate associated pollution into our airspace. In 2015, Summit County Council adopted a Climate Action Plan with a goal to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from a 2014 baseline by 2050. Sadly, a recent emissions inventory reports that instead of decreasing, County emissions have grown. The number one contribution is transportation.
The primary way we, as individuals and businesses, can curb our transportation-related emissions is to not get into a vehicle…. easy right? Summit County’s extensive network of paved bike paths and transit options through High Valley Transit (HVT) and Park City Transit (PCT), including off-the-beaten path routes through HVT Microtransit services, can assist. Could your business offer incentives for commuting via transit or bike, teleworking, or a ride-share program? Additionally, since grid electricity is becoming increasingly supplied by renewables, could you or your business purchase an alternate fuel vehicle (i.e. hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle) and/or install an EV charger(s)? Tax credits or rebates are offered for many such actions!
Changing our ways with transportation is challenging, but has significant potential to reduce emissions within our County. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our green business team with questions about transportation. Thank you for all you do!
Zack Darby
Summit County Sustainability Analyst
