DRIVING GLOBAL WARMING Commuting in Vermont and its Contribution to Global Warming

Transportation is the leading source of global warming emissions in Vermont and the trips Vermonters make to and from work are a major contributor to the problem. Just over a quarter of all vehicle miles nationally are driven on trips to and from work. To reduce global warming emissions from cars and trucks — and to meet the state’s climate protection goals — Vermont must find ways to reduce the global warming impact of commuting. In order to find the right policy options for confronting global warming emissions from commuting, it is necessary to know who is commuting where and by what mode of transportation. A review of data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau identifies which towns in the state are responsible for the greatest amount of commuting-related emissions of carbon dioxide (the leading cause of global warming) and suggests ways that the state can effectively reduce emissions.