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Addressing transportation efficiency both reduces emissions and lessens U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil.

Two-Fold Strategy Increases Efficiency

The transportation sector is responsible for about 27 percent of U.S. energy consumption and nearly one-third of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, more than any other end-use sector. Its share of consumption and emissions has grown steadily in recent decades. The transportation industry doesn't only affect the environment. Most petroleum – the main U.S. transportation fuel – is imported, often from volatile regions of the world. Reducing transportation energy use would mitigate climate change and improve local air quality while enhancing our national security and lowering pressure on oil prices.

To reduce energy consumption from the transportation sector, we must address both vehicle fuel efficiency (the energy consumed per mile driven) and fuel conservation (reducing the number of miles driven). Models by the U.S. Department of Energy and environmental think tanks suggest that without policies to address both issues, transportation emissions will continue to rise, making it more difficult for the U.S. to achieve meaningful reductions in carbon emissions.

Alliance Calls for Effective, Long-Term Energy Policies – Not Gimmicks – In Response to Record Gas Prices

Author: 
Ronnie Kweller
Contact Email: 
rkweller@ase.org
Date: 
May 1, 2008

The Alliance to Save Energy today called on the president and Congress to collaborate on “effective, long-term energy policies” that will provide urgently needed relief to American consumers suffering from record-high gasoline prices – not short-term gimmicks that only mask the underlying crisis.

Washington, D.C., May 1, 2008 – The Alliance to Save Energy today called on the president and Congress to collaborate on “effective, long-term energy policies” that will provide urgently needed relief to American consumers suffering from record-high gasoline prices – not short-term gimmicks that only mask the underlying crisis.

Survey of Policies and Programs that Promote Fuel-Efficient Transport in APEC Economies

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apec_transportation_survey.pdf
Highway Interchange
May 1, 2008
Laura Van Wie

This survey explores the range of policies and programs available to public sector decision makers to maximize the efficiency of the transportation sector in their jurisdictions. Since countless volumes have been written on these topics, it is the intent of this survey to distill the large amount of information into concise summaries that provide APEC policymakers and decision makers with an understanding of the range of proven options for improving transport efficiency. The authors summarize about 50 examples2 of policies and programs undertaken by APEC economies to improve transportation energy efficiency.

Download the Full Report (PDF File)

Topics: International, Transportation
Programs: International Program
Resource Type: Report

Energy Efficiency in Climate Legislation

April 16, 2008
Lowell Ungar

Energy efficiency is the most readily available and least-cost solution to global warming in the near-term. A recent study by McKinsey & Company found that increased efficiency in buildings, industry, transportation, and energy production could meet almost all increased demand for energy services in the United States while preventing more than 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year by 2030—with an annual net savings of over $50 billion. Importantly, McKinsey states that achieving these carbon savings will require “a portfolio of strong, coordinated policies.”
Climate cap-and-trade or carbon tax legislation can spur unprecedented levels of energy efficiency, especially in hard-to-reach sectors of the economy. But market barriers that prevent cost-effective efficiency measures today will make it hard to achieve the needed energy savings solely through carbon prices. In addition, a poorly designed cap-and-trade system may provide little price signal to energy users. Tapping the vast available reserves of cost-effective energy efficiency will require careful design of the cap-and-trade or tax system, enactment of complementary efficiency policies, and use of some of the revenues for energy-efficiency programs.

Pricing Carbon Will Spur Energy Efficiency

2008 Great Energy Efficiency Day

2008 Great Energy Efficiency Day

April 16, 2008 - 8:00am - 3:30pm
Washington, District Of Columbia

Drivers Can Ease Pain of Record Gas Prices with Simple,Yet Effective Fuel-Efficiency Steps, Says Alliance

Date: 
March 12, 2008

With gas prices hitting a new record of $3.246 a gallon well ahead of the summer driving season, the Alliance to Save Energy said drivers could keep their own fuel costs from reaching record levels with good vehicle maintenance and sensible driving habits.

Washington, D.C., March 12, 2008 – With gas prices hitting a new record of $3.246 a gallon well ahead of the summer driving season, the Alliance to Save Energy said drivers could keep their own fuel costs from reaching record levels with good vehicle maintenance and sensible driving habits.

As Oil Reaches All-Time Record of $100/Barrel, Alliance Says Energy Efficiency is Key Part of Response

Date: 
February 18, 2008

As oil surged today above $100 a barrel for the first time, the Alliance to Save Energy emphasized energy efficiency as a quick, important, and effective tool to combat higher gasoline and home heating oil prices.

Washington, D.C., February 19, 2008 – As oil surged today above $100 a barrel for the first time, the Alliance to Save Energy emphasized energy efficiency as a quick, important, and effective tool to combat higher gasoline and home heating oil prices.

FY ’09 Budget Request a Disappointing ‘Second Act’ to President’s Lofty State of the Union Goals

Date: 
February 4, 2008

The Alliance to Save Energy expressed sharp disappointment with President Bush’s FY 2009 budget request, which eliminates most recent funding increases for energy-efficiency programs and flies in the face of the lofty clean energy and efficiency goals set forth in the State of the Union.

Washington, D.C., February 4, 2008 – The Alliance to Save Energy today expressed sharp disappointment with President Bush’s FY 2009 budget request, which eliminates most recent funding increases for energy-efficiency programs and flies in the face of the lofty clean energy and efficiency goals set forth in the State of the Union.

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European Parliament Backs Energy Efficiency as the Cornerstone for Climate Change Policy

Date: Jan 29, 2008

Drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to prevent damaging climate change in Europe, and a key committee of the European Parliament recently concluded that the most immediate and cost-effective means of achieving carbon constraints is to use energy more efficiently.

Drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to prevent damaging climate change in Europe, and a key committee of the European Parliament recently concluded that the most immediate and cost-effective means of achieving carbon constraints is to use energy more efficiently.

H.R. 6, The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

U.S. Capitol
December 21, 2007

The President signed into law the most sweeping energy efficiency legislation in at least three decades on December 19, 2007. H.R. 6, The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, is projected to save American consumers and businesses more than $400 billion in avoided energy costs by 2030, and will reduce energy consumption by 7% and greenhouse gas emissions by 9% from the forecast for 2030, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
 

Summary of Key Provisions

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6)

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December 21, 2007
Lowell Ungar

On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the most sweeping energy efficiency legislation in at least three decades.

The President signed into law the most sweeping energy efficiency legislation in at least three decades on December 19, 2007. H.R. 6, The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, is projected to save American consumers and businesses more than $400 billion in avoided energy costs by 2030, and will reduce energy consumption by 7% and greenhouse gas emissions by 9% from the forecast for 2030, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Key provisions of this landmark legislation are highlighted below.

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