Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Transportation is a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions, and can be part of the Nation's solution to the climate change challenge. The Energy Independence and Security Act (December 2007) called upon the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in consultation with the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), to conduct a study of the impact of the Nation's transportation system on climate change and strategies to mitigate the effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study also considers fuel savings and air pollution reduction from these measures. This report responds to that directive. Volume 1: Synthesis Report provides an overview of transportation's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), analyzes the effectiveness of various strategies available to reduce transportation sector GHGs, discusses the role of DOT planning and funding programs for strategic action on climate change, and concludes with five policy options that Congress may wish to consider. This study evaluates potentially viable strategies to reduce transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study was mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act (P.L. 110-140, December 2007). The Act directed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultation with the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), to conduct a study of the impact of the Nation's transportation system on climate change and strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing GHG emissions from transportation. This study also examines the potential impact of these strategies on air quality, petroleum savings, transportation goals, costs, and other factors. Each GHG reduction strategy may have various positive impacts (including co-benefits) or negative impacts on these factors. Potential tradeoffs and interdependencies when reducing GHG emissions will need to be considered in order to develop balanced solutions. The study is presented in two parts: Volumes 1 and 2. Volume 1: Synthesis Report provides an overview of the study's findings and discusses policy options that Congress may wish to consider to reduce transportation GHG emissions. Volume 2: Technical Report provides the technical details of the assessment.