Technologies and policies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions from the US automobile and light truck fleet

Authors
Citation
S. Plotkin, Technologies and policies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions from the US automobile and light truck fleet, TRANSP Q, 53(2), 1999, pp. 7-30
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Politucal Science & public Administration
Journal title
TRANSPORTATION QUARTERLY
ISSN journal
02789434 → ACNP
Volume
53
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
7 - 30
Database
ISI
SICI code
0278-9434(199921)53:2<7:TAPFCG>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
The transportation sector produces slightly more than 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the United States, with light-duty vehicles-automobiles and light trucks-accounting for more than half of the sector's emissions.( 2) This makes the light-duty vehicle fleet an appealing target for carbon e missions reductions undertaken in pursuit of satisfying the United States' potential obligations under the Kyoto protocol. Furthermore, the current Li ght-duty vehicle fleet is essentially fully dependent on petroleum for its energy supply, so reductions in greenhouse gases will yield similar reducti ons in U.S. oil use, an attractive proposition to those concerned about U.S . dependence on petroleum imports. Reducing light-duty greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum use can be accom plished by increasing vehicle energy efficiency, shifting travel to more ef ficient modes, reducing travel overall (by increasing the price of travel, changing development patterns, or other means), changing fuels, and increas ing vehicle occupancy. This article focuses on policies and technologies fo r increasing vehicle energy efficiency, though policies that raise fuel pri ces will encourage other physical measures, as well.