California meets GHG goals, but transportation progress faces uncertain future

As reported in the Los Angeles Times, California has met its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels four years early, an impressive feat, and one that comes while the California economy continues to flourish. But the reductions come almost entirely from the generation of electricity, while emissions from transportation continue to rise. More driving, public preferences for larger cars, lower gas prices, and a booming economy are all to blame for the rise. Despite the relative lack of progress in transportation, the Trump administration announced on Aug. 1 that it plans to eliminate the waiver California enjoys from national mobile source pollution rules, allowing the state to impose GHG emissions limits.

Nevada green-lights autonomous trucks

Truck platooning, connecting a chain of computer-controlled trucks electronically to follow a human-driven lead vehicle, is still at least 5 years away from being used commercially, but the next step in freight transport automation is already coming over the horizon. Earlier this month Nevada authorized the testing of self-driving trucks on the state’s highways.

New report outlines steps needed to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions

A new report outlines what would be required to substantially reduce both petroleum usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It concludes that the goals are ambitious but achievable; however, government incentives, mandates, and research funding will be needed. The goals are unlikely to be achieved by market forces alone.

New report outlines steps needed to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions

A new report outlines what would be required to substantially reduce both petroleum usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It concludes that the goals are ambitious but achievable; however, government incentives, mandates, and research funding will be needed. The goals are unlikely to be achieved by market forces alone.

Mileage-Based User Fee Winners and Losers An Analysis of the Distributional Implications of Taxing Vehicle Miles Traveled, With Projections, 2010–2030 (Rand Corporation, 2012)

Equity is a commonly raised public acceptance concern regarding MBUFs. The research finds that a flat-rate MBUF would be no more or less regressive than fuel taxes, now or in the future. The findings are significant because they suggest that equity considerations based on ability to pay will not be a significant reason to oppose or support the adoption of MBUFs. Further, it is possible to structure an MBUF that provides incentives for fuel efficiency while maintaining other favorable qualities of MBUFs such as their economic efficiency and fiscal sustainability.

Ecodriving and Carbon Footprinting: Understanding How Public Education Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Use (Mineta Transportation Institute, 2012)

Ecodriving is a collection of changes to driving behavior and vehicle maintenance designed to impact fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in existing vehicles. Because of its promise to improve fuel economy within the …