Well, it’s a no-brainer. Once we reduce our transportation based on fossil fuels, the resulting air pollution will greatly decrease. When the air pollution is reduced, our environmental health and human health will improve and climate change effects will decrease. So, as soon as we eliminate our dependency on fossil fuels, the better.
Reducing air pollution also improves our economy. Thanks to the Clean Air Act of 1970 the EPA has touted “major successes”, such as lead reduction from our air, spurring innovation and adoption of modern automotive technologies, and providing a 1:9 ratio in cost savings in public health, the environment, productivity, and consumer savings.
Additionally, the EPA’s transportation emissions reductions initiatives have resulted significantly better air quality and better health for Americans. By 2030, the EPA states vehicle air quality emissions standards should prevent 40,000 premature deaths, 34,000 avoided hospitalizations and 4.8 million work days lost annually!
In short, want a better economy? Get our transportation off fossil fuels.