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August 2008
Researchers say action needed now to meet state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Julian Marshall, David Kittelson, and Elizabeth Wilson presented findings to legislators and their staff at a July seminar.
A team of University of Minnesota researchers has found that the transportation sector can meet its share of the state’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2015 and can possibly exceed them in 2025—but action must start now.
The findings are the result of a study commissioned by the Minnesota Legislature and led by CTS. In 2007 the legislature established GHG reduction goals for all sectors of the economy of 15 percent by 2015, 30 percent by 2025, and 80 percent by 2050 (compared with 2005). The legislature also funded the CTS study to evaluate GHG emissions from transportation sources.
The final research report—Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Transportation Sources in Minnesota (CTS 08-10)—says that meeting the goals will require a combination of strategies targeted to reduce fuel consumption, vehicle-miles traveled, and fuel carbon content.
“The emission reduction goals are achievable if action starts today,” says Robert Johns, director of CTS. “By changing the amount of traveling we do, purchasing vehicles with higher fuel efficiency, and adopting low-carbon fuel standards, we can exceed the goals that the Minnesota legislature has put before us and be a leader in the nation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary research team:
- Professor David Kittelson, research associate Winthrop Watts, and graduate student Adam Boies, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Assistant Professor Julian Marshall, grad students Tyler Patterson and Steve Hankey, and undergrad Chris Weyandt, Department of Civil Engineering
- Assistant Professor Elizabeth Wilson and graduate student Peter Nussbaum, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
The researchers say that the majority of the changes don’t require any costly or new technologies and are applicable in other states, too, not just in Minnesota.
“There is a misconception that it is not possible to make these changes because they aren’t affordable,” says Marshall. “In fact, these methods can save people a lot of money and fuel. Energy efficiency can help consumers and also benefits the economy, especially with high gas prices.”
“The technology to make this happen exists, it is just a matter of using it,” says Kittelson. “The engines we use in our cars are no worse or better than the engines they have in passenger cars in Japan or Germany—the difference is, we put our engines in enormous cars.”
The research team also looked at ways the state can lay a foundation for meeting the 2050 goal.
CTS associate director Laurie McGinnis provided interdisciplinary leadership, with assistance from CTS program coordinator Jan Lucke.
“Our interdisciplinary approach was invaluable in producing knowledge and strategies to address this complex challenge,” says McGinnis, “and the involvement of our students helps prepare them as future leaders.”
The study was commissioned by Rep. Melissa Hortman and Rep. Frank Hornstein. “This study provides a great starting point for the 2009 legislative session and will help facilitate a thorough debate and good policy development to create cost-effective solutions and improve Minnesota’s energy security,” Hortman says.
“This is a ground-breaking study which outlines cheaper and environmentally better transportation solutions in a comprehensive way that will make greenhouse gas emission reduction possible for every Minnesotan and every American,” Hornstein says. “We can easily apply these methods to our lifestyle choices, and hopefully this will inspire us to start work now.”
Complete information about the study, including a press release, a video about the study, a summary report, and the technical report, can be found on the study’s Web page: www.cts.umn.edu/Research/GreenhouseGas.