Environmental Sustainability & Transportation Flashcards

Which federal law requires states to consider environmental impacts when planning transportation projects?

Answer: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NEPA requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions, including transportation projects, before decisions are made.

What does a 'green corridor' in transportation planning typically refer to?

Answer: A transportation route designed to minimize environmental impact and support biodiversity

Green corridors are transportation routes planned to minimize habitat fragmentation and environmental damage while supporting wildlife movement.

Which transportation mode produces the least greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile?

Answer: Commuter rail

Commuter rail produces the least GHG emissions per passenger mile among these options due to high capacity and electric or efficient diesel operation.

What is 'vehicle miles traveled' (VMT) reduction a key strategy for in transportation sustainability?

Answer: Reducing total distance driven to lower emissions and congestion

Reducing VMT decreases transportation-related emissions, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion by encouraging alternatives to solo driving.

What environmental benefit do wildlife crossing structures (overpasses/underpasses) on highways provide?

Answer: They prevent habitat fragmentation and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions

Wildlife crossings allow animals to safely traverse highways, maintaining habitat connectivity and reducing the ecological impact of road fragmentation.

How does urban heat island effect relate to transportation infrastructure?

Answer: Highways absorb and re-emit heat, raising local temperatures

Asphalt roads and parking lots absorb solar radiation and re-emit it as heat, contributing to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas.

What is the primary purpose of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program?

Answer: To reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips through incentives and alternatives

TDM programs use strategies like carpooling incentives, transit subsidies, and telework policies to reduce the number of solo car trips and associated emissions.