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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CAFE Standards and Fuel Efficiency
Analyzing policies that reduce fuel demand and carbon emissions
Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels
Examining the relevant policies, regulations, and markets
Fuel Taxes
Analyzing how fuel taxes interact with existing fuel efficiency policies.
Traffic Congestion
Exploring policy options to reduce the inefficiencies of gridlock.
Featured Content
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- Resources Magazine
Common Resources — Jul 8, 2021
Rising Income, Rising Emissions: Projections for Future Vehicle Demand in China
Vehicle ownership in China is poised to grow more than previous studies have estimated, raising questions about whether the country can meet its ambitious climate goals.
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.
Press Release — Jun 24, 2021
As Income Rises in China, So Does New Vehicle Ownership—and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
New research from Resources for the Future and the University of Maryland finds that rising income in China is leading to more vehicle purchases than expected, signaling that the country needs more aggressive climate goals.
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.
Explainer — Mar 24, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 104: 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.
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
Workshop/Seminar — Dec 3, 2018
New Research Questions on Electricity, Transportation, and Carbon Markets: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way
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.
Press Release — Jun 24, 2021
As Income Rises in China, So Does New Vehicle Ownership—and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
New research from Resources for the Future and the University of Maryland finds that rising income in China is leading to more vehicle purchases than expected, signaling that the country needs more aggressive climate goals.
Media Highlight — Apr 23, 2021
Biden's Dream of an Electric Future Faces an Uphill Battle. Here's Why
RFF Senior Fellow Joshua Linn discusses obstacles to widespread electric vehicle adoption in a segment for PBS NewsHour.
Common Resources — Jul 8, 2021
Rising Income, Rising Emissions: Projections for Future Vehicle Demand in China
Vehicle ownership in China is poised to grow more than previous studies have estimated, raising questions about whether the country can meet its ambitious climate goals.
Common Resources — Jun 15, 2021
The Role of Federal Subsidies in Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector
Congress is considering spending billions to subsidize electric vehicle purchases, but RFF modeling shows that such a policy would barely impact emissions over the next decade.
Common Resources — Jun 3, 2021
How Much Will People Drive This Summer—and Beyond?
After more than a year of lockdowns, some expect car travel to increase dramatically this summer. But the data present a more complex picture of future demand for gasoline.