Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.
To measure Oklahoma City’s progress reducing transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we must first establish an emissions benchmark by identifying major sources of GHG emissions both for City operations and community-wide. Once established, the inventory should be updated every five years to demonstrate changes in GHG emissions.

Reduce idling in City vehicles.
Extended periods of idling in City vehicles not only contributes unnecessary emissions but wastes public resources. A comprehensive analysis should be performed to quantify idling time/fuel losses and a plan developed to recommend strategies to reduce idling.

Improve accessibility and expand the number of shelters at bus stops.
To encourage use of the bus system and to protect riders from the extremes of Oklahoma weather, every bus stop should include a shelter from the wind and rain and connect to a network of sidewalks. Negative perceptions of public transit accessibility is a primary deterrent to new riders and creates daily challenges for existing riders.

Increase use of alternative fuel vehicles in City fleet including buses when operationally appropriate.
EMBARK operates 49 total buses in the public transit system, 19 of which use CNG for fuel and the remaining 30 use diesel. Diesel engines are a primary source of vehicle emitted particulate matter and nitrogen oxides and provide a major opportunity to reduce emissions associated with public transit service. With more than 2.8 million service miles driven each year, the reduction of more than 31 annual tons of NOx and PM2.5 emissions would equate to about $650,000 in annual health benefits according to the EPA.

Support electric vehicles.
Electric vehicle use reduces emissions and supplements City revenue for road maintenance through sales tax and franchise fee collections. Providing and promoting a public
network of reliable fuel sources for EV users will remove perceived barriers to EV ownership and minimize emissions associated with metro-area commutes.

Support bicycle commuting.
Residents have voiced support for more choices in how to get to work. The City should create a safe environment for bicycle commuters and provide secure bicycle parking solutions to encourage choosing active transportation. Decreasing the number of single occupancy vehicles in Oklahoma City metro commutes will not only reduce congestion and associated emissions, but will also mitigate wear and tear on highways and City streets.

Analyze potential long-term impacts of automated vehicles.
Driverless vehicles are a major component in long-term transportation planning, as many sectors such as freight and ride sharing are already conducting on-road tests to refine the technology. Oklahoma City, located at an intersection of major freight corridors, is positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, but must adapt policy positions and infrastructure that will embrace the benefits and minimize disruptions.

Policies
AQ-1: Partner with regional and state agencies to estimate economic impact of nonattainment.
AQ-2: Conduct greenhouse gas emissions inventories at minimum every five years to capture both City operations and community-wide emissions.
AQ-3: Use emissions data to establish reduction targets.
AQ-4: Develop an emissions reductions strategy.
AQ-5: Increase the number of publicly-available electric vehicle charging ports and promote locations online.
AQ-6: Conduct analysis of City fleet use and establish target for percentage of fleet comprised of electric vehicles.
AQ-7: Develop strategy and implement process to reduce idling in municipal vehicles.
AQ-8: Promote local, state, and federal alternative fuel incentives and vehicle emissions standards.
AQ-9: Require “EV-ready” construction to ensure new public buildings are suitable for electric vehicle supply equipment.

Support development of statewide fuel tax alternatives.
Fuel efficiency standards established in the 1970s coupled with the introduction of a growing number of alternative fuel vehicles on Oklahoma roads will continue the downward trajectory of local tax remittances from gasoline and diesel consumption. Municipal agencies responsible for street maintenance need assured funding for the future.

Partner with local, regional, and state agencies to study effects of nonattainment.
The three-year regional air quality values are edging near the EPA’s threshold for a non-attainment designation. This designation would initiate new processes, like New Source Review and Transportation Conformity, that would affect the City’s economy. It is vital to understand the reach of these impacts before a non-attainment designation is affirmed.

Policies
AQ-10: Advocate to amend the state apportionment formula for motor fuels to increase gasoline and diesel tax remittance to cities and towns.