44% of greenhouse gasses in Vermont are produced by transportation (nationally, it's 28%). If we are serious about the environment we have to change transportation.
Shipping by rail instead of truck reduces pollution (on average) by two-thirds, noise by one half, uses only 29% of the fuel and produces only 23% as much greenhouse gasses. Freight Rail Carbon Calculator
The U.S. transportation system is 96% petroleum dependent, accounts for 71% of the country’s oil use, and consumes 25% of the world’s net output.
Passenger trains are 20-40% more efficient. But consider: if the train is already going there, the carbon footprint of you riding it is *zero* !
Rail facilitates better land use, which may make the biggest difference.