More in Bay Area Willing to Go Green

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A new poll shows that Bay Area residents are willing to make personal sacrifices to help combat global warming.

The poll, conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, shows that 75 percent of people would live in a smaller house if it would shorten their commute, pay 25 cents more per gallon of gas, and accept more houses in their community to protect open space.

In an effort to plan for the Bay Area’s next 30 years, the poll was conducted as part of a planning conference called “Transportation: 2035”. Randy Rentschler of the MTC said the ultimate goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“Last time we did this poll in 2003 we had a much smaller number willing to make that trade,” said Rentschler. “Now whether or not people really do it, that’s a separate question. But at least they’re talking about doing it.”

More than 200 politicians and planners attended the conference and Rentschler said the point was to start a dialogue before beginning any legislation.

KCBS’ Bob Melrose reports on the MTC poll