Reducing Transportation Emissions by Targeting Fuel Suppliers

Modeled on the nation's first mandatory cap-and-trade program that only targets power plant emissions, the Transportation & Climate Initiative subjects transportation fuel to a similar market-based program. It took a major step forward on Oct. 1.

3 minute read

October 5, 2019, 5:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Refueling

AdamBoor / Shutterstock

Since 2017, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States has been from the transportation sector, mostly from passenger vehicles, yet it seems that the power generation sector continues to grab the lion's share of attention when it comes to mitigating emissions. Policymakers in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), which will use a cap-and-invest as well as trade program, have taken a page from the power sector by adopting a program used by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. 

"A coalition of New England and mid-Atlantic states on Tuesday took a first step toward limiting transportation emissions across 12 states and the District of Columbia," reports Rebecca Beitsch for The Hill. 

At the heart of the draft proposal an effort that would place pollution limits on middlemen who bring gasoline to U.S. consumers, forcing those companies to buy credits to compensate for pollution that will stem from their products...[I]nstead of power plants their efforts will be focused on oil terminals that store fuel before it heads to market as well distributors of gasoline.

Leaders involved in the effort are unsure whether their proposal would raise prices at the pump.

The 12 states are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, in addition to the District of Columbia. The last member to join the initiative was Virginia in September 2018.

Credit to Our Transportation Future and Natural Resources Defense Council

Affected Fuels and Emissions

"The proposed program would cap emissions of carbon dioxide from the combustion of the fossil component of finished motor gasoline and on-road diesel fuel in the region," states the four-page "Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal" [pdf]. 

The TCI jurisdictions are evaluating whether and how to include and treat biofuels in the program. Affected fuel would include fuel destined for final sale or consumption in a TCI jurisdiction, upon removal from a storage facility...

TCI supporters

A sampling of reactions to the draft framework was released Tuesday by Our Transportation Future, a coalition of 64 leading environmental, scientific, transportation, health, and business organizations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region advocating in support of TCI.

“Taking on the largest source of air pollution will require bold solutions, and the TCI framework released today offers a solid foundation for a bold, regional cap-and-invest program,” said Jordan Stutt, Carbon Programs Director at Acadia Center. “The TCI states need to build on that foundation by establishing an ambitious cap on emissions..."

“We are heartened by the broad TCI framework released today," said Nancy Goodman, vice president for policy, Environmental League of Massachusetts.  "This effort to price carbon within a region has great promise for addressing emissions from transportation..."

David Abel of The Boston Globe also reports (behind paywall) on the draft framework. His article also was posted (without a paywall) by Our Transportation Future:

“This entire project aims to reduce emissions, improve public transportation, equity, mobility, and engagement,” said Kathleen Theoharides, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, who has chaired the effort known as the Transportation Climate Initiative.

Theoharides said the states are still negotiating over whether to place requirements on how the proceeds from the pollution permits, also known as allowances, could be used. The goal is to invest the money in a range of transportation-related projects, such as public transit, carpooling, and subsidies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, she said.

"A final agreement isn’t expected until spring 2020," adds Beitsch for The Hill.  Pete Rafle, communications director for the Georgetown Climate Center which facilitates TCI's efforts, clarified in an email that all 13 members will determine whether to sign the memorandum of understanding at that time, regardless of whether they signed the December 2018 Initiative Statement [pdf], the subject of our first post on the initiative that was launched in 2010.

More information on what TCI calls its "regional policy proposal design process" can be found in this 2-page fact sheet [pdf].

Related in Planetizen:

Hat tip: InsideClimate News.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 in The Hill

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Modular housing under construction with worker guiding crane.

Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.

Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.

October 29, 2024 - Jordan Rogove

Gaslamp Quarter

America’s 10 ‘Greenest’ Cities

A new analysis ranks cities based on their environmental quality, energy consumption and production, transportation, density, and other factors.

October 28, 2024 - The Street

Group of children with backpacks and bike helmets going to school.

How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal

SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.

6 hours ago - Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell

Parked cars in floodwater with two-story apartments or homes in background in Florida after hurricane.

Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather

Car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.

7 hours ago - Grist

Small mountain lake with snow-capped mountains in background in Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

California Approves $10 Billion Bond for Water, Clean Energy, and Environmental Projects

Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.

November 7 - Los Angeles Times