Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and Vehicle Emissions
Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels will result in continued reductions in vehicle pollutant
emissions despite increases in travel.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) vs. Vehicle Emissions
Source: Statement of Senator Bob Smith, Environment & Public
Works Committee Hearing on Transportation & Air Quality, July 30, 2002
Since 1970, aggregate emissions traditionally associated with
vehicles have significantly decreased (with the exception of NOx) even as vehicle
miles traveled have increased by approximately 149%. NOx emissions increased between
1970 and 1999 by 16%, due mainly to emissions from light-duty trucks and heavy-duty
vehicles. However, as future trends show, vehicle travel is having a smaller and
smaller impact on emissions as a result of stricter engine and fuel standards,
even with additional growth in VMT.
|
