California is on the verge of making a major step toward becoming more sustainable

[Washington did a similar thing nearly 20 years ago with the Growth Management Act, but this is still a revolutionary change for California.]

California lawmakers are close to passing legislation that would encourage housing close to workplaces, bus and other transit. The goal is for California communities to be less reliant on personal vehicles and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A key part of the proposal that I find fascinating is that cities and counties would need to meet certain requirements in order to receive state and federal transportation subsidies. How refreshing – transportation subsidies tied to incentives to reduce driving. Hopefully, more funds will go to creating pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure under this new model.

Read more in the NY Times here.

Bye bye gridlock.

photo NY Times