Transportation
A growing economy relies on an effective and efficient transportation system; however, issues related to 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.
Topics
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles
Examining the relevant policies, regulations, and markets
CAFE Standards and Fuel Efficiency
Analyzing policies that reduce fuel demand and carbon emissions
Fuel Taxes
Analyzing how fuel taxes interact with existing fuel efficiency policies.
Traffic Congestion
Exploring policy options to reduce the inefficiencies of gridlock.
Publications
Working Paper — Jun 7, 2019
Building Subway Systems and Improving Air Quality in China: New Evidence from Multiple Chinese Cities
Partly to reduce air quality problems, China has invested heavily in urban subway systems. This paper provides the first comprehensive estimates of the effects of these investments on urban air quality, finding substantial air quality improvements.
Working Paper — Apr 18, 2019
The Energy Paradox in Seemingly Competitive Industries: The Use of Energy-Efficient Equipment on Heavy-Duty Tractor Trailers
We collected roadside data and modeled use of energy-saving equipment on trailers to explore the claim that, where there is split ownership between tractors and trailers, owners of trailers will underinvest in energy-saving equipment.
Working Paper — Apr 17, 2019
Pass-Through and Welfare Effects of Regulations that Affect Product Attributes
We show that the relationship between pass-through and welfare changes does not hold for a regulation that affects production costs and product attributes.
Events
Workshop/Seminar — Dec 3, 2018
New Research Questions on Electricity, Transportation, and Carbon Markets: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way
Workshop/Seminar — Dec 2, 2015
The Evolving US Vehicle Fleet: Responding to New Federal Regulations
Panelists analyzed consumer demand for fuel economy and how lower gasoline prices can affect future fuel savings.
Policy Leadership Series — Oct 15, 2015
US Climate Policy: How We Got Here and What it Means for the Future
At this RFF Policy Leadership Forum, Bob Nordhaus, one of the most respected figures in US energy policy circles, discussed the evolution of US climate policy and its future prospects.
News
Press Release — Sep 24, 2019
New Episode of Resources Radio: "What's Driving the Future of Automobiles?, with Ellen Hughes-Cromwick"
Daniel Raimi and Ellen Hughes-Cromwick discuss critical developments in the automotive industry; electric and autonomous vehicles, changing markets, and climate policy.
Press Release — Aug 22, 2019
New Blog: Will Colorado Achieve its Electric Car Goal?
In a new blog, Benjamin Leard and Clayton Munnings review Colorado's ZEV program and its chance of succeeding.
Media Highlight — Aug 20, 2019
“Trump’s Rollback of Auto Pollution Rules Shows Signs of Disarray”
Alan Krupnick is quoted in a New York Times article on President Trump's auto emissions rollbacks.