“U.S. Energy Policy: Cars and light trucks in transportation”
6:00-7:00pm, September 19th
Thirsty Ear Pub, W1-30, 305 Memorial Drive
Leader(s): Chris Evans
This discussion will address the burning issues of energy security and climate change in U.S. energy policy as they relate to transportation. Focusing on cars and light trucks, we will collaboratively explore the key stakeholders, and policies that can help to address transportation’s key energy challenges.
Key Questions
- What are the key issues and rationale driving transportation-sector energy policy?
- Who are the important stakeholders and what are their positions and motives?
- What policy instruments are available? What is an optimal policy structure for achieving energy policy goals in the transportation sector?
- How does this compare with current developments?
Preparatory Readings
- Greene, (2005) “Improving the Nation’s Energy Security: Can Cars and Trucks be Made More Fuel Efficient?” Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee. (pages 1 to 6) [+]
- Driving America’s Future (2007) “Is CAFE the Right Way?” Driving America’s Future Website. (1 page) [+]
- Laboratory for Energy and the Environment (2004) “A Multi-pronged Approach to Curbing Gasoline Use” (2 pages) [+]
- detnews.com (2007) “Bush aims for new emissions rules before he leaves office”, September 10, 2007 (2 pages) [+]
- Associated Press (2007) “Judge Rejects Carmaker’s Emission Suit”, New York Times, September 12, 2007. (2 pages) [+]
Other Useful References
- Gallagher, K. S.; Collantes, G.; Holdren, J. P.; Lee, H.; Frosch, R. (2007) “Policy Options for Reducing Oil Consumption and Greenhouse-Gas Emissions from the Transportation Sector”, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, U.S.A. (pages 12 – 27, 37-42) [+]
- Greene, D. L.; Schafer, A. S. (2003) “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Transportation”, Pew Center on Global Climate Change. (80 pages) [+]
- National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) webpage. Administration with the responsibility of establishing CAFE standards. Includes information on the history of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, current rulemakings. [+]
- An, F.; Gordon, D.; He, H.; Kodjak, D.; Rutherford, D. (2007) Passenger Vehicle Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Economy Standards: A Global Update”, The International Council on Clean Transportation. Summary of international fuel economy standards. (36 pages) [+]
