Transportation
A growing economy relies on an effective and efficient transportation system; however, issues related to climate change, pollution, congestion, and safety can dampen that growth. RFF experts are analyzing the costs, benefits, and distributional consequences of transportation policies to help lawmakers design programs that can effectively impact consumer and producer behaviors.
Federal Climate Policy: The Transportation Sector
A review of current primary policies and policy options for emissions reductions in the sector, including fuel economy and GHG standards, programs to promote the use of alternative-fuel vehicles, and more.
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Reducing Pollution with Targeted Vehicle Scrappage
RFF research shows that incentives to scrap old cars can be more effective by targeting high-emissions cars that would otherwise stay on the road.
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Progress and Potential for EVs to Reduce Emissions
An RFF report shows that EVs will continue to play a small part in emissions reductions over the next five years, with larger contributions in the decade after.
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RFF Live — Oct 29, 2021
Driving Decarbonization: Examining Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels in US Reconciliation Efforts
A panel discussion exploring the impact and feasibility of proposed policies on electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels in current reconciliation efforts
On the Issues — Oct 1, 2021
New Clean Electricity Performance Program, Methane Leaks, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.
Common Resources — Sep 30, 2021
Fuel Economy Standards Will Help Speed the Deployment of Electric Vehicles, But May Not Be Enough to Achieve the 2030 Target
The Biden administration hopes to drastically increase the share of electric vehicles on the road. New fuel economy standards will help, but emissions reductions from efficient gasoline vehicles will far outweigh reductions from new electric vehicles.
Working Paper — Aug 25, 2021
How Much Do Consumers Value Fuel Cost Savings? Evidence from the Passenger Vehicle Leasing Market
This paper finds that drivers undervalue lifetime fuel costs when deciding which new cars to buy or lease.
Working Paper — Jun 24, 2021
The Effect of Income on Vehicle Demand: Evidence from China’s New Vehicle Market
This paper provides new estimates of the effect that growing wealth in China will have on vehicle emissions.
Working Paper — May 25, 2021
Effectiveness, Spillovers, and Well-Being Effects of Driving Restriction Policies
This paper analyzes the effectiveness and spillover effects of low-emission zones (LEZs) on air pollution, as well as the impact on individual-level outcomes.
RFF Live — Oct 29, 2021
Driving Decarbonization: Examining Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels in US Reconciliation Efforts
A panel discussion exploring the impact and feasibility of proposed policies on electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels in current reconciliation efforts
Policy Leadership Series — May 11, 2021
Policy Leadership Series with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
A conversation with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on the airline's decarbonization strategy and the future of the industry
Workshop/Seminar — Jul 15, 2020
Exploring Innovative Transportation Policies
A summary of and presentations from a two-day virtual workshop on transportation carbon pricing in the TCI
Press Release — Aug 25, 2021
Car Consumers Undervalue Fuel Cost Savings, Valuing Present Costs Over Future Gains
A new paper shows that consumers are willing to pay around 29 cents at the time of vehicle transaction in exchange for $1 of future fuel savings over the course of a vehicle’s expected life.
Media Highlight — Aug 6, 2021
Proposed Clean Car Rules Expected to Increase US Electricity Demand by Just 1.3%
A story in S&P Global draws heavily on the insights of Senior Fellow Joshua Linn regarding the Biden administration's new transportation proposal.
Media Highlight — Jun 25, 2021
The Climate Risk of China's Auto Sales
A segment in Axios' Generate newsletter discusses new research that finds that China's car sales—and transportation emissions—are rising faster than expected.
On the Issues — Oct 1, 2021
New Clean Electricity Performance Program, Methane Leaks, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.
Common Resources — Sep 30, 2021
Fuel Economy Standards Will Help Speed the Deployment of Electric Vehicles, But May Not Be Enough to Achieve the 2030 Target
The Biden administration hopes to drastically increase the share of electric vehicles on the road. New fuel economy standards will help, but emissions reductions from efficient gasoline vehicles will far outweigh reductions from new electric vehicles.
Common Resources — Sep 22, 2021
What Should Federal Agencies Assume for How Much Consumers Are Willing to Pay for Fuel Cost Savings?
Government agencies that assess the consequences of fuel economy standards assume that consumers value just the first 30 months of fuel cost savings. Should the agencies reconsider their assumptions?