Energy/Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation has announced research on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of the U.S. transportation sector and energy optimization model. The research analyzed a range of potential scenarios for transitioning toward low-carbon transportation, exploring how policies and technology assumptions impact fuel infrastructure, vehicle, and resource requirements and costs. The analysis shows how a system model can be used to analyze the role of vehicle technologies and fuels within a national energy system. The models could be useful for analyzing policies such as carbon caps that affect all economic sectors and energy issues such as competition and synergies with regard to fuels and energy sources. For more information, link to the report. (September 2018)

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A report from the International Transport Forum provides recommendations for actions that can reduce carbon emissions from road freight transport. Findings include the need for better data on emissions and likely impacts of new vehicle technologies. In addition, the report found that new technologies are vital as well as ambitious fuel economy and CO2 emission standards that include heavy freight trucks. Route optimization, off-peak deliveries, and voluntary emission programs also are useful measures. For more information, link to the report. (12-5-18)

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The U.S. Global Change Research Program has released its 2018 assessment of U.S. climate change impacts, including effects on communities, the economy, ecosystems, infrastructure, and other sectors. The report calls for mitigation and adaptation efforts to avoid major economic losses and to avoid impacts on U.S. infrastructure and property. The report also warns of “cascading impacts” that may occur to interconnected natural, built, and social systems. For more information, link to the Fourth National Climate Assessment web page. (11-23-18)

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The Transportation and Climate Initiative, a regional collaboration of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia, has issued a summary report on a series of listening sessions held this year. The six regional listening sessions were to invite input on potential policy approaches to bring about a cleaner and more resilient transportation future in the region. In all, roughly 500 stakeholders, including over 100 government officials, participated in facilitated conversations about their priorities, goals, and policy ideas for a low-carbon transportation future. The report summarizes the ideas, suggestions, and perspectives offered during the sessions. For more information, link to the summary report. (11-14-18)

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A coalition of vehicle manufacturers, utilities, public interest groups, unions, technology companies, and public officials have issued recommendations for how the United States can cut energy use in the transportation sector in half by 2050. The “50x50 Commission” released a report recommending stronger fuel economy standards, accelerated electric vehicle adoption, and development of more and better infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles. The report also recommends enhancing the impact, effectiveness, affordability, and attractiveness of public transit. Additionally, the report recommends a transition to a more integrated transportation services model, where more efficient modes are made more affordable, reliable, and convenient. For more information, link to the report. (9-26-18)

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A white paper issued by the National Center for Sustainable Transportation describes policy options for transitioning to plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) as a way to reach worldwide carbon reduction goals. The paper discusses the technical progress to date in transitioning to EVs and outlines the policies and programs necessary to address the challenge of completely displacing combustion engines. Policies include ending fossil fuels for light-duty vehicles; financial signals to encourage EV buyers and producers; multi-year commitments from PEV manufacturers; education campaigns; and coordination of efforts to meet charging needs, including greening of the electric grid. For more information, link to the report. (July 2018)

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A new guide on the connection between climate change and community design has been released by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The guide provides discussion of and resources for planning and designing more dense, walkable communities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and sprawl. The guide says that the use of carbon-sequestering landscapes such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands will help to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. The guide includes resources and solutions regarding materials and construction, green infrastructure, and natural systems applicable to both regional and urban scales. For more information, link to the guide. (9-6-18)

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The Georgetown Climate Center has updated the electric vehicle (EV) corridor analysis tool for EV charging infrastructure planning. The tool includes a map of fast charging infrastructure in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and an spreadsheet-based tool for identifying highway exits as candidates for additional infrastructure. The tool has been updated to include 9,000 miles of roadways, adds the state of Virginia, and enhances usability. The tool is part of the Transportation and Climate Initiative to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. For more information, link to the announcement and the tool. (7-30-18)

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a proposed rule to freeze vehicle fuel economy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions standards. The rule would set the 2021-2026 model year standards for car and light-duty truck fleets by locking in model year 2020 standards through 2026. The agencies assert that the proposed rule reflects a balance of safety, economics, technology, fuel conservation, and pollution reduction. The agencies also say that, if left in place, the current rules would impose more than $500 billion in societal costs on the U.S. economy over the next 50 years. The public will have 60 days to provide feedback once the proposal is published in the Federal Register. For more information, link to the Transportation Department’s announcement and the proposed rule. (8-2-18)

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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has updated the Energy Department’s alternative fueling station locator. The tool supports those driving electric vehicles and vehicles running on ethanol, propane, natural gas, and hydrogen in finding fueling stations. The map is colored coded to display each fuel and includes the station address, directions, and phone number. The updated tool combines data from the U.S. and Canada to allow fleets to easily transport good between both countries. The tool was developed as part of a partnership between NREL and Natural Resources Canada. For more information, link to the announcement and station locator. (7-31-18)

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The Energy Department is seeking information regarding the high-volume production and use of hydrogen in a variety of economic sectors. Information should address the expansion and diversification of domestic hydrogen supply, demand-sector market expansion, and leveraging industries and infrastructure, among others. Hydrogen use could be expanded and made more affordable across multiple applications such as petroleum refining, ammonia production for fertilizers, steel production, and fuel cells to power cars, buses or trucks. The DOE will use this information to assess domestic resources that are available for large-scale production of hydrogen. The request is part of the H2@Scale project to improve hydrogen infrastructure. Submissions are due Oct. 31, 2018. For more information, link to the announcement. (8-1-18)

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The Midwest Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening held its first meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities to expanding alternative fuel corridors. The meeting included an analysis of designated corridors and infrastructure and an overview of Midwest corridor initiatives. Enhancement of multi-state collaboration, improving visibility, and revisions to the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator Redesign and Corridor Tool were also addressed. The meeting, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, was the first in a series of convenings sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration. For more information, link to the announcement. (7-16-18)

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An action plan for 2018-2021 developed by the Multi-State Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Task Force has been issued by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. The plan recommends expanding the ZEV market by using brand-neutral campaigns or events like ZEV ‘ride and drives’ to increase public awareness. The plan also suggests that states enhance the network of charging and fueling infrastructure through public and private investments and the revision of residential and commercial building codes. In addition, the use of financial incentives and the electrification of public and private fleets is encouraged. The task forced was created in 2013 to support state implementation of ZEV programs. For more information, link to the action plan. (6-20-18)

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The energy efficiency of ride-hailing or transportation network company (TNC) services at airports is addressed in a new report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The report includes data from four U.S. Department of Transportation Smart City Challenge finalists regarding annual air travel, TNC fees, parking, and car rental to understand how mobility services are affecting travel, energy use, and sustainability. The report indicates that TNC use now accounts for 18 percent of passenger ground transportation to and from airports, with revenues from TNC fees increasing while parking and car rental revenues appear to be in decline. The report suggests that this shift in transportation preferences could have implications on land use planning. For more information, link to the report. (6-18-18)

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The Annual Greenhouse Gas Index (AGGI) increased to 1.41 in 2017, up slightly from 2016 levels, according to a report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The AGGI is a single number that displays how much extra heat the atmosphere is able to trap every year. Chlorofluorocarbons were relatively smaller contributors to the direct warming influence over time and carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide were found to be the only greenhouse gases (GHGs) to continue to increase at regular rates over decades. The AGGI registered 1.40 in 2016, reflecting a 40 percent increase in the climate-warming influence of GHGs in the atmosphere since 1990, the baseline year. The AGGI began in 2006 to help decision makers understand GHG levels over time. It is updated each spring. For more information, link to the report. (5-30-18)

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The Government Accountability Office has issued a report on how much the federal government spends on climate change programs. According to the report, federal climate change funding increased by $4.4 billion from 2010 to 2017, and 94 percent of reported funding within six agencies went to programs that touch on, but aren’t dedicated to climate change. The report recommends that the Office of Management Budget (OMB) reports should include information on climate related financial risks. The report also recommends that the OMB provide analysis on federal climate change programs it considers to be fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative. For more information, link to the report. (5-30-18)

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The Federal Highway Administration is withdrawing requirements that state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) measure tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as a means to assess performance of the National Highway System. The rule required state DOTs and MPOs to establish CO2 emissions targets, calculate progress in meeting the targets, report to FHWA, and determine needed actions if targets were not reached. The withdrawal is considered a deregulatory action to reduce burdens on state DOTs and MPOs and remove requirements with “speculative and uncertain benefits.” The rule, which was signed May 22, will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information, link to the final rule. (5-24-18)

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New versions of the Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSim) are now available through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The simulator allows users to compare powertrains and estimate the impact of technology improvements on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency, performance, cost, and battery life. The newer versions expand vehicle range capabilities and update vehicle models to include not just conventional and electric-drive vehicles, but also fuel cell vehicles. The newer versions are available in Excel and Python and are suitable for large datasets. For more information, link to the announcement. (5-22-18)

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The Federal Highway Administration has released a recording of an April 18, 2018, web conference regarding alternative fuels and electric freight trucks. The seminar included presentations concerning the current state of fueling infrastructure, vehicle range for electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, and fuels commonly used in the freight industry. The seminar also addressed the challenges of using compressed natural gas instead of diesel for freight trucks, including the maintenance costs and fuel prices. In addition, presenters discussed the use of renewable hydrocarbon diesel in freight trucks and freight electrification. For more information, link to the recording, transcript, and presentations. (5-22-18)

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The National Center for Sustainable Transportation has issued a report that analyzes the impacts of ride hailing services on travel and greenhouse gas emissions. The report uses survey data from 2017 on populations, ride hailing users, and ride hailing driver and passenger activity from Austin, Texas and San Francisco. The report indicates that ride-hailing will tend to produce modest reductions in auto ownership. The report also finds that ride-hailing in U.S. cities is contributing to a net increase in vehicle miles traveled and associated emissions, but the total magnitude of that increase is uncertain. It is recommended that policymakers look at restrictions on such services, implementation of distance-based pricing rules to minimize empty vehicle travel, and increased support of public transit. For more information, link to the report. (4-18-18)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has released the final midterm evaluation for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light trucks and cars for model years 2022-2025. The EPA has determined that the current GHG standards are not appropriate and should be revised. The evaluation is based on consumer behavior, feedback on modeling approaches, and assessment of advanced fuels technologies. The California waiver for imposing stricter vehicle emission standards is also under evaluation. A proposed rule will be developed in consultation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set GHG and Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. For more information, link to the announcement. (4-2-18)

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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has released a report regarding best practices and challenges for the planning, procurement, infrastructure installation, operation, and maintenance of battery electric buses. The report includes survey responses from 18 transportation agencies that address bus technical specifications, operational requirements, and route selection. The report also highlights location characteristics of charging infrastructure, electricity rates, staff training on new technology, and capitol and operational costs. The report identifies several challenges for bus adoption in the U.S. that include higher upfront costs of electric buses, public engagement, and the need to review procurement and contractual frameworks. For more information, link to the report. (3-21-18)

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The Federal Highway Administration has announced the second round of designations for Alternative Fuel Corridors. For 2016 and 2017 combined, FHWA has received 58 nominations and designated segments or entire lengths of 71 Interstate corridors (including Hawaii) under the program. So far, 44 states (plus the District of Columbia) have facilities designated as corridor-ready or corridor-pending for one or more alternative fuel types (electric, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, and liquid natural gas). Corridor-ready designees have sufficient fueling facilities on the corridor to warrant highway signage, whereas corridor-pending designees need additional facilities to warrant signage. For more information, link to the Alternative Fuel Corridors website. (3-9-18)

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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has established a Climate Communications Initiative (CCI). The CCI will address public questions concerning climate change, provide easy-to-understand evidence-based information, facilitate communication efforts, and develop innovative approaches to climate change. An advisory committee also has been created to develop a strategic plan for the CCI to identify near- and longer-term activities and monitor the impact of products of the initiative. The initiative is intended to help citizens and decision-makers respond to climate change. A committee meeting is scheduled for March 6-7, 2018. For more information, link to the announcement. (1-23-18)

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Auto manufacturers continue to innovate, increase fuel economy, and reduce pollution according to two new reports released by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975-2017 report indicates that model year (MY) 2016 vehicle fuel economy was 24.7 mpg, slightly higher than MY 2015. The report also illustrates that consumers have an increasing number of high fuel economy/low carbon dioxide vehicle choices. The second report, Manufacturer Performance, addresses how well manufacturers are meeting greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles. The report indicates that all manufacturers are in compliance with the standards. For more information, link to the announcement. (1-11-18)

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The Transportation Research Board has issued a report on a May 2017 international symposium, Decarbonizing Transport for a Sustainable Future: Mitigating Impacts of the Changing Climate. The event was the fifth annual transportation research symposium sponsored by the European Commission and the United States. The symposium included discussion of partnership development with co-benefits, policy impact on climate mitigation strategies, approaches in megaregions, and freight transport. The report includes a potential portfolio of research for U.S. and European Union collaboration developed as a result of the symposium and suggests opportunities for trans-Atlantic information sharing. For more information, link to the report. (1-8-18)

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The Transportation and Climate Initiative has announced the continued support of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to explore strategies to reduce carbon emissions, improve transportation, and advance investments in clean transportation technologies. The states have been working together since 2015 and will continue by facilitating discussions to share goals and perspectives and to diversify transportation systems. To support these efforts, the Georgetown Climate Center released a report concerning market-based approaches to a multi-state transportation policy. The report provides an overview of the transportation fuel system in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and how a cap-and-invest system covering gasoline and on-road diesel could operate. The report recommends complementary financing strategies to advance clean transportation markets. For more information, link to the announcement. (11-13-17)

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The U.S. Global Change Research Program has released its 4^th National Climate Assessment to highlight recent findings concerning climate change. The assessment indicates that it is extremely likely that human activities are the dominant cause of warming since the mid-20th century. The assessment also illustrates the significant probability of unanticipated effects occurring, such as multiple extreme weather events occurring simultaneously. The assessment addresses climate models and scenarios, physical drivers of climate change, and changes in precipitation nationwide. The likelihood of droughts, floods, and wildfires as well as extreme storms and sea level rise are also highlighted. For more information, link to the assessment. (11-3-17)

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The Department of Energy has released a report on enabling use of fast-charge power stations to increase use of battery electric vehicles (BEV). The study recommends extreme fast charging – at 400 kilowatts for BEVs to be competitive with internal combustion engine vehicles. It provides an overview of BEVs, battery costs, and barriers to extreme fast charging. It also outlines associated research and development needs to resolve such challenges. For more information, link to the report. (October 2017)

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The International Council on Clean Transportation has released a briefing on the development of infrastructure for fuel cell vehicle deployment around the world. The report provides the status of fuel cell vehicle development as of mid-2017, indicating that manufacturers have made major research and development investments. In addition, the report analyzes hydrogen infrastructure development in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., illustrating that many governments and industries have initiated plans to develop infrastructure networks and that investment will be needed for the next 10 to 15 years. For more information, link to the report. (October 2017)

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The Transportation Research Board has released a compilation of papers concerning environment and energy in Volume 2628 of its Transportation Research Record journal. The issue addresses life-cycle benefits of recycled material in highway construction, obtaining thermoelectric energy from asphalt pavements, and highway noise analyses and policies. The issue also provides a comparison of projections for corporate average fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards and an analysis of electric vehicle purchaser satisfaction. In addition, it addresses the use of statewide models as tools for zero-emission vehicle deployment. For more information, link to the report. (10-2-17)

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The International Council on Clean Transportation has issued a report concerning the use of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle technology to decarbonize the freight sector. The report provides an overview of heavy-duty vehicle policies in Canada, China, Japan, and the U.S., and includes a list of zero-emission truck projects for medium-duty, heavy-duty, in-road, and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. A technology analysis is provided to account for costs associated with vehicle use, efficiency, and cost of ownership, as well as an analysis of the emissions impacts of various tractor-trailer technologies. The report indicates that electric vehicles that are dynamically charged could play an important role in creating more market options for electric trucks. The report also illustrates that promotion of drayage, bus, and urban delivery truck applications are important in encouraging the development of electric-drive trucks. For more information, link to the report. (September 2017)

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