Residents of the Puget Sound region rely heavily on single-occupant automobile use, an inefficient form of transportation that contributes significant amounts of pollution to regional watersheds. A new study points at chemicals from tiny bits of car tires as a prime suspect in Coho salmon pre-spawn mortality. Stormwater runoff from streets, highways and bridges carries pollutants such as engine oil, brake dust and tire fragments, while air pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles enters waterways in the form of acid rain and soot. 

Technological advances and smart planning are revolutionizing transportation in ways that will dramatically reduce environmental impacts from this sector. Through smart planning initiatives, our cities are better supporting human-powered transport. Mass transit systems are becoming more efficient, user friendly, and available. Electric vehicles and advances in materials for tires and brakes are reducing environmental impacts of single car use.

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