(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a workshop this week to explore the ties between transportation and climate change. DDOT was selected to host the workshop under the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Climate Change Technical Assistance Program  and the Center for Environmental Excellence . The program is sponsored by AASHTO and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) .

Through a rigorous review and selection process that included participants from AASHTO, FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) , DDOT was selected because of the level of interest and dedication demonstrated by the District in addressing the challenges of climate change.

“We’re honored to be chosen to lead this important discussion,” said DDOT Acting Director Terry Bellamy. “In the District we strive to make our transportation system sustainable, to promote green choices, and this workshop will help us shape our local policies to minimize our global impact.”

DDOT has invited its partners, including Federal, regional, local agencies and organizations, as well as, other District agencies such as the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the District Office of Planning (OP), to attend the workshop, which will take place on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

This full one‐day workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of global climate change and the transportation-related contributions. Topics covered will include the science, sources and trends relating to climate change; emerging policies and Federal legislation, including NEPA requirements; planning and strategies for greenhouse gas reductions, including land use, freight, and operational strategies; use of innovative technologies for potential reductions; and approaches and initiatives for climate change adaptation.

• See workshop presentation slides below.

DDOT hopes to engage DDOT personnel and DDOT partners in discussing the implications of climate change on the regional transportation sector, with specific focus on the District of Columbia, in order to establish a foundation for the development of a DDOT Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

For more information regarding DDOT planning efforts for climate change and the DDOT Climate Change Adaptation Plan, please contact Austina Casey at austina.casey@dc.gov.