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This report analyzes how smart land use policy can help California achieve its 2030 goal of reducing carbon emissions to at least 40% below 1990 levels. Using the RapidFire model and data from the E3 California Pathways study, the authors demonstrate that compact, transit-oriented development can close the emissions gap left by technological advances alone, while providing significant economic, public health, and environmental co-benefits.

This executive summary analyzes the role of smart land use policy in helping California achieve its 2030 goal of reducing carbon emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels. Using the RapidFire model and E3 California Pathways study, the report demonstrates that compact, transit-oriented development can close the emissions gap left by energy technology alone and provide significant economic, public health, and environmental co-benefits.

This technical supplement describes the methodology used by RMI to analyze how state-level land use reform in the United States could reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2033. The analysis compares a 'business as usual' scenario against a 'low VMT' scenario where new housing is concentrated in dense, walkable, and transit-oriented areas.