Policy Options for Reducing Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Transportation

摘要

Scientific analyses and models indicate a need to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO_2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) by the middle of this century to reduce the risks of climate change. Controlling GHG buildup will require major reductions in CO_2 emissions from the economic sectors that are the predominant users of carbon-rich fossil fuels. A response by the transportation sector to this energy and emissions challenge will be important because the sector produces between one-quarter and one-third of all the CO_2 emitted from the country's energy consumption. In addition, because transportation accounts for more than two-thirds of the petroleum consumed in the United States, saving energy in transportation also can have important implications for the cost of access to the world's oil supplies.