Executive Summary
This Greenhouse Gas Report by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) presents the planning strategies employed by staff to produce a 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) that successfully supports a modelled reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the Pikes Peak Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), including the plan’s land use forecast, transportation project mix, and modeling methods. This report demonstrates compliance with the requirements of the state’s greenhouse gas rule (2 CCR 601-22) by meeting or exceeding the GHG reduction requirements recorded in Table 1 of the rule.
1.1 Key Highlights
Planning and Modeling Innovations
A collaborative land use forecasting approach replaces isolated methodologies, better aligning regional and local development initiatives into a comprehensive plan. The improved land use forecast is combined with an enhanced Travel Demand Model (TDM) that now includes reasonable remote work considerations, pedestrian and bicycle mode choices, and simulation-based traffic assignment.
Notable Regional Initiatives
A new Regional Transit Plan aligns with multimodal goals, detailing 58 projects including Enhanced Transit Corridors and innovative mobility zones. Investments in multimodal projects doubled compared to the previous plan, while several miles of major roadway projects were not advanced from the previous plan into the 2050 LRTP and removed from the model, emphasizing sustainability and equitable transportation access.
GHG Reduction Strategies
The 2050 LRTP incorporates a diverse mix of projects prioritizing multimodal transportation, including transit enhancements, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and innovative mobility solutions that all promote environmentally positive changes in travel behavior.
1.2 Results
The 2050 LRTP exemplifies balanced, collaborative, and effective planning, seamlessly integrating environmental considerations into the region’s long-term transportation strategies. The plan demonstrates full compliance with the state’s greenhouse gas rule by exceeding the required reduction targets for all horizon years. For further details, please refer to the full report and Section 4.2 for specific emissions figures.