Transforming Transportation

HIGHLIGHTS

As a region, we have matched out partners’ commitment to a low-carbon transportation future with a plan of action. Our vision and roadmap describe the policies, programs, and partnerships that our cities, states, and province will pursue to rapidly transform markets, infrastructure, and behaviors to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. Through these efforts, we will increase use of all low-carbon mobility options, including zero-emission passenger vehicles and transit, ride-sharing, biking, and walking—as well as create land use and development patterns that expand mobility choices. We must also focus on goods transportation, including low-carbon technologies and infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and support new innovative new technologies and options that emerge.

Vibrant and sustainable West Coast cities continue to attract people, companies, and investments. The PCC is working to increase the quality of urban life and reduce emissions by advancing transportation and land use policies that promote equitable and accessible mobility options like walking, cycling, transit, rideshare, and improved system connectivity.

We are working together to provide residents with access to a convenient and predictable transportation experience from the beaches of Southern California to the forests of British Columbia and from rural areas to urban downtowns. Building on our history of collaboration to develop the West Coast Electric Highway, which provides DC fast charging for electric vehicles every 25 to 50 miles along major regional highways and interstates, we are building North America’s most comprehensive charging network along major corridors and accelerating the deployment of residential, workplace, and public charging in cities, towns, and regional destinations. We are actively collaborating on interoperable charging technologies, a consistent user experience, and aligned infrastructure investments. See the PCC ZEV Infrastructure factsheet to learn more about regional successes.

PCC partners are leading by example to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles through fleets purchases of electric and hydrogen passenger cars, transit buses, medium and heavy duty trucks, and non-road equipment. Through West Coast Electric Fleets, we are also encouraging other fleets to make ambitious pledges to adopt zero-emission vehicles and supporting fleet managers and owners as they make this transition, including through a resource library and navigator to key guidance, case studies, and webinars. We seek out opportunities to pool our regional purchasing power to lower the cost of vehicles and infrastructure through bulk purchasing.

British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have low carbon fuel programs in place that are stimulating market demand for low carbon-intensity fuels, helping to meet the region’s goal of 80% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050. As of 2024, California, Oregon, and British Columbia are on track to meet current carbon intensity reduction targets, and Washington has successfully completed implementation. See the PCC Low Carbon Fuel Standard Factsheet for more program highlights. Together, these jurisdictions are collaborating on best practices for program design and implementation, and policy alignment to create an integrated West Coast market for cleaner, lower carbon fuels. Read more about the benefits of low carbon fuel programs and regional collaboration in the policy brief, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transportation Fuel with Low Carbon Fuel Standards.