Last week I attended the NREL Energy Analysis Forum, where leading North American energy analysts discussed current thinking concerning greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, much of which involves emission cap and trade programs (as summarized in the report by Resources for the Future, "Key Congressional Climate Change Legislation Compared"). Similarly, a recent report, "Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: How Much At What Cost" evaluates emission reduction strategies according to their cost effectiveness.
Fuel Efficiency
CAFE Or Gas Tax? How Best To Increase Fuel Efficiency.
The current government strategy to increase fuel efficiency is to mandate it through increases in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, currently set for 35.5 mpg by 2016. In this piece, auto executives suggest a better way - using gas taxes.
Automobile
LaHood To Congress: VMT-Reduction A 'Must' To Reduce Global Warming
Testifying to the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on July 14, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood clearly states that fuel efficiency must be complemented with livable communities and transit to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.
Fast Lane (DOT blog)
Can Dimples Improve Fuel Efficiency?
A company called Fastskinz thinks so. They've created a vinyl car wrap based on the aerodynamic evidence from golf balls that an uneven surface creates less drag. Popular Mechanics puts the theory to the test.
Popular Mechanics
EPA's Emissions Waiver Not Enough
This editorial lauds the new president for acting hastily on granting the waiver to allow CA and 13 states to require higher mileage vehicles, but warns it must not be an end in itself. A higher gas tax, it notes, will do more to reduce emissions.
Los Angeles Times
The Planetizen News Brief - 1/29/09
4:40 minutes (4.28 MB)
Obama reverses a controversial Bush decision, the market crash spurs land conservation, and an economic stimulus gets transit moving in China -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on "Smart City".
Bicycle Couriers Up, Motorized Couriers Down
In New York City, bicycle courier businesses are witnessing new growth, while motorized couriers struggle to turn profit in an age of rising full-costs.
The New York Times
Surging Fuel Prices Spur Green Backlash in Europe
With dramatically increasing fuel costs, European consumers formerly amenable to "green" taxes are turning against them, leading to fears that ambitious emission-control policies may not be achievable.
The Globe & Mail
Implications of Driving Less
A new report from the American Public Transportation Association hypothesizes that people who live in places shaped by transit tend to drive less thereby reducing their overall petroleum use and their carbon footprint.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Transit's Environmental Benefits
A recent study from the Washington Public Interest Research Group shows the environmental benefits of public transit.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
U.S. Gas Consumption Drops - First Time In 16 Years
Economic recession and soaring gas prices have resulted in the largest, demand-induced, sustained decline in gas consumption in 16 years. Motorists are reacting to the higher prices and weaker economy in their vehicle selection and driving behavior.
The Wall Street Journal



















