The NJTPA strives to ensure that the transportation system improves the environment and supports resilience.

Transportation activity in the NJTPA region produces substantial pollution, contributing to poor air quality and a changing climate. In 2021, on-road transportation in the region was responsible for an estimated 25.7 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), approximately 36 percent of all emissions in the region. 

At the same time, rising sea levels, more extreme weather patterns, and increasing temperatures threaten the region’s mobility and transportation infrastructure.

The NJTPA commits to encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other strategies to reduce harmful emissions, as well as making the region more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and other hazards.

As part of its resilience and emission reduction efforts, the NJTPA is currently working to: 

  • Collect, develop, and analyze relevant data and advance strategies and projects that reduce pollution in the NJTPA region.
  • Monitor the impacts of extreme weather on transportation.
  • Identify and advance state, regional, and local mitigation and resilience initiatives that protect the region from the impacts of extreme weather and build strong, adaptable communities.
  • Collaborate with partners, including NJDOT and other agencies, to implement strategies that reduce harmful emissions from the transportation sector and manage risks to transportation infrastructure.
  • Provide data and resources to counties and municipalities related to:
    • Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
    • On-Road Transportation Emissions
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Charging Infrastructure
    • Complete and Green Streets
    • Resilience Hubs
    • Land Use Analysis

Research and Studies

The NJTPA conducts research, studies, and plans to address environmental and resilience issues.

Resilience Improvement Plan (2024) | The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) has developed a Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP), in collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), to meet the objectives of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program. In accordance with PROTECT Program RIP guidance (23 U.S.C. 176(e)), the NJTPA’s RIP provides a risk-based assessment of vulnerable transportation assets in relation to immediate and long-term transportation planning. 

FY 2021-2022 On-Road Transportation Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory & Forecast (I&F) of the NJTPA Region Analysis Report (2024) | The NJTPA prepared an analysis report to support the 2021-2022 on-road transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and forecast (I&F) data. The report includes the total Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and GHG emissions for the NJTPA region for the baseline year of 2019 and forecast years of 2022, 2023, 2030, 2040, and 2050. The report also covers the VMT and emissions by road type, vehicle type and county for 2019. Additionally, it includes county profiles that discuss the county overall and take a closer look at the municipalities and Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) within each county. It ends with a conclusion and reflections.

Plan 2050: Climate Change and Transportation Background Paper (2021) | As part of the NJTPA’s long-range transportation plan, Plan 2050, the NJTPA prepared a background paper on Climate Change and Transportation. The paper covers existing conditions, climate projections and associated impacts, the public sector response, and key strategies for NJTPA and Plan 2050. There is also a section about climate change on page 86 of Plan 2050.

Passaic River Basin Climate Resilience Planning Study (2019) | The NJTPA prepared this study to evaluate the vulnerability of New Jersey’s Passaic River Basin (PRB) transportation assets to climate change extreme weather events and identify adaptation strategies for agencies and municipalities to integrate resilience into the transportation network. The study consisted of a vulnerability assessment of the area’s transportation system, projection of future climate risks for the PRB, and adaptation strategies for critical transportation corridors and assets. It recommended actions and strategies to protect the transportation system from damage and disruption.

NJTPA’s Alternative Fuels Vehicles Readiness Plans and Guide (2017) | National attention to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) has grown, primarily because of their potential health, environmental and economic benefits. Efforts to encourage the increased use of AFVs, particularly electric vehicles, are taking place at the national, state, and local levels. The NJTPA developed several publications that address what AFVs are, their benefits to the region, efforts taking place in New Jersey to promote them, and how to develop a plan for their use. 

Post-Hurricane Sandy Transportation Resilience Study of NY, NJ, and CT (2017) | This research project, led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), examined the impacts on the transportation system from Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and Nor’easter Alfred. It also discusses Climate Data and Analysis Tools, Assessing Vulnerability, Risk, Adaptation Options in the Tri-State Metropolitan Region, and Integrating Climate Resilience in Transportation Decision-making.

NJTPA Regional Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plan (2013) | The NJTPA Regional GHG Mitigation Plan analyzes over two dozen strategies for their effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions, including land use policies, enhanced Transportation Demand Management measures, electric and alternatively fueled vehicles, and active corridor management strategies.

Climate Change Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of New Jersey’s Transportation Infrastructure (2012) | This study identified the vulnerability and risk of transportation infrastructure to the impacts of climate change for two regions of New Jersey – the coastal region and the northeast corridor. The study built an inventory of relevant assets, identified which are critical, gathered information on potential climate scenarios, and assessed the potential vulnerability and resilience of critical assets. This study involved a partnership between the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the three New Jersey MPOs, NJ TRANSIT, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Region-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Project (2011) | The NJTPA conducted a comprehensive GHG emissions inventory and forecast (I&F) for the NJTPA region. Project goals were to: develop a region-wide inventory of GHG emissions for a base year; allocate GHG emissions to the county and municipal levels; forecast GHG emissions for 2020, 2035, and 2050; and assist sub-regions in their greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation efforts.