Without direct policies to reduce transportation sector emissions, we will not be able to reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the levels necessary. Most proposed climate policies deal with transportation emissions by implementing a cap on total fuel consumption. This would slightly raise gasoline prices, but not enough to change driver behavior or automobile purchasing. CATF has been collaborating with prominent mobility technologists to explore technical and policy options that will “bend the curve” of mobile GHG emissions. This work focuses on several areas, including:
- Post-2016 car and light truck efficiency improvements and expanded application of hybrid and advanced diesel technologies.
- Improvements in fuel economy for commercial trucks.
- Policies for the near term (through 2020) to lay the foundation for extensive electrification of transportation after 2020. This appears the only realistic low to zero carbon mobility option.
Climate benefits are also resulting from the efforts of CATF’s Diesel Project to reduce diesel particulate emissions from on road, heavy-duty vehicles.
