The National Academies Press

Currently Skimming:

Pages 262-279

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.

From page 262... ... 262 This appendix focuses on strategies that states could pursue to promote greater energy efficiency and the development and adoption of alternative fuels. Unlike many of the strategies discussed in earlier appendices, the primary motivation underlying the strategies in this appendix is to shape future energy outcomes -- in particular, to positively influence the prospects for transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. Read the entire page →
From page 263... ... 263 Vehicle feebate programs. Feebates merge the two prior options, combining graduated fees on high-emission (or low fuel economy) Read the entire page →
From page 264... ... 264 alternative-fuel vehicles as they become available. And if the feebate structure is based on greenhouse gas emissions (as opposed to conventional vehicle fuel economy) Read the entire page →
From page 265... ... 265 to consumers by overcoming any inherent price difference in the cost of producing the fuel and, potentially, the cost of the vehicle. For fuels that require alternate vehicle technology, the tax incentive must also be sustained for long enough to provide consumers with the confidence that any investment in up-front vehicle costs will ultimately be paid back through fuel-cost savings. Read the entire page →
From page 266... ... 266 the adoption of vehicles with higher fuel economy. In other words, carbon pricing, at the level assumed for this analysis, could reduce VMT by a little less than 2%, enough to have some effect on reducing congestion. Read the entire page →
From page 267... ... 267 if the effects of tax credits are included (CBO 2010) -- or, by extension, even with any cost differential resulting from a carbon tax. Read the entire page →
From page 268... ... 268 M.3 Alternative-Fuel Programs and Mandates States may establish programs to promote or mandate the production of alternative fuels for use in the transportation sector. The principal motivations for such programs include diversifying energy sources, promoting economic development within the state, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the relative emphasis depending on the specific policy design. Read the entire page →
From page 269... ... 269 Climate Stewardship Platform Plan is an initiative among Midwestern states to develop a system of coordinated signage across the region for biofuels and advanced transportation fuels and to collaborate to create regional E85 corridors (Midwestern Governors 2007) Read the entire page →
From page 270... ... 270 Promoting adoption of lower-carbon alternative fuels -- highly effective (uncertain) Read the entire page →
From page 271... ... 271 such programs indicates that this barrier should not be insurmountable. Financial cost -- moderate barrier. Read the entire page →
From page 272... ... 272 Investment and incentives for alternative energy refueling infrastructure. In the area of alternative-fuel distribution, states have taken the approach of providing financial incentives to encourage private-sector development of fueling stations, pipelines, or consumer distribution points. Read the entire page →
From page 273... ... 273 though, there is insufficient evidence to argue that state production and support for distribution would exert significant influence in a shift to alternative fuels. Thus, the effects for GHG reduction are rated as moderate and uncertain. Read the entire page →
From page 274... ... 274 not the primary owner or operator of facilities, thus reducing financial exposure. However, should states choose to engage in larger projects, they may find it efficient to build and operate facilities and infrastructure without partnering, thus incurring significant capital costs. Read the entire page →
From page 275... ... 275 subdistrict maintenance sites, central offices, and sometimes other modal offices, their energy consumption totals and potential conservation savings may be greater than for other state agencies. Specific improvements can include lighting upgrades, implementation of desktop power-management systems, and even solar thermal or solar photovoltaic installations. Read the entire page →
From page 276... ... 276 improvements are impressive, road construction activities still account for just a small share of overall pollutant emissions in a region; thus, the potential effect must be judged as modest. DOTs have also implemented energy-saving practices, such as reduced equipment idling, with the aim of improving local air quality. Read the entire page →
From page 277... ... 277 along the natural turnover cycle for vehicle fleets. Operations and human resources practices can be implemented immediately, although it may also take 1 to 5 years for adoption and realization of efficiency benefits. Read the entire page →
From page 278... ... 278 Technologies Program, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. Read the entire page →
From page 279... ... Abbreviations and acronyms used without definitions in TRB publications: A4A Airlines for America AAAE American Association of Airport Executives AASHO American Association of State Highway Officials AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI–NA Airports Council International–North America ACRP Airport Cooperative Research Program ADA Americans with Disabilities Act APTA American Public Transportation Association ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials ATA American Trucking Associations CTAA Community Transportation Association of America CTBSSP Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program DHS Department of Homeland Security DOE Department of Energy EPA Environmental Protection Agency FAA Federal Aviation Administration FHWA Federal Highway Administration FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FRA Federal Railroad Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration HMCRP Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (2012) NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASAO National Association of State Aviation Officials NCFRP National Cooperative Freight Research Program NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NTSB National Transportation Safety Board PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration RITA Research and Innovative Technology Administration SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (2005) Read the entire page →

From page 262...

... 262 This appendix focuses on strategies that states could pursue to promote greater energy efficiency and the development and adoption of alternative fuels. Unlike many of the strategies discussed in earlier appendices, the primary motivation underlying the strategies in this appendix is to shape future energy outcomes -- in particular, to positively influence the prospects for transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.