AN ACTION PLAN FOR CARS: THE POLICIES NEEDED TO REDUCE U.S. PETROLEUM CONSUMPTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
John Heywood, Patricia Baptista, Irene Berry, Kandarp Bhatt, Lynette Cheah, Fernando de Sisternes, Valerie Karplus, David Keith, Michael Khusid, Donald MacKenzie, Jeff McAulay
An MIT Energy Initiative Report, Cambridge, Massachusetts
December 2009
ABSTRACT--
Reducing petroleum consumption and GHG emissions from cars and light‐duty trucks in the United States over the next several decades requires that we implement a clear and coordinated set of policies now. This report describes a portfolio of policies which, in the view of the authors, is needed to put personal vehicle transportation on the road to sustainability in the longer term. To incentivize adoption of more fuel efficient vehicles, we propose coupling existing near‐term fuel economy standards with a feebate incentive program and gradual increases in fuel taxes. We further propose driver education initiatives that would give vehicle owners information on how to maximize fuel savings in their purchase and driving decisions. Finally, we underscore the need for a long‐term strategy for fuels that evaluates fuels‐related programs based on their contribution to reducing life‐cycle petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Together, these policies offer a robust plan of action that will focus and streamline current efforts to achieve these two important national goals. Perhaps most importantly, this plan lays a much‐needed foundation for a comprehensive, adaptable long‐term policy effort.
DOWNLOAD--
Full Report (PDF, 552 KB)
