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Transportation Policy and Technology Options to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Minnesota

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About the Study

In 2007, CTS received an appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature to assess public policy and technology options for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from the transportation sector in Minnesota.

The researchers investigated a number of possibilities:

  • Increasing efficiency by improving vehicle fuel economy (e.g., CAFÉ or carbon emission standards, incentives for more efficient vehicles) and by switching toward other modes (walk, bike, bus, light rail).
  • Reducing GHG by substituting alternative fuels for gasoline and by increasing use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles while encouraging low-GHG electricity generation.
  • Shifting land use and transportation infrastructure to reduce transportation energy consumption by increasing urban density and mass transit, encouraging non-vehicle transportation options, and reducing vehicle idling (e.g., trucks at truck stops, ships in port) and airplane circling while queuing to land.

The researchers evaluated these options within a larger framework that attempts to identify potential externalities and risks as well as potential policy drivers.

Their report will identify short-term (up to 2015), medium-term (2015-2025), and long-term (>2025) technologies, strategies, and policies.

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Research Team

To address the interdisciplinary issues raised by this study, CTS assembled and led a research team drawn from multiple fields including mechanical engineering, public policy, and civil engineering. CTS associate director Laurie McGinnis is providing interdisciplinary leadership and coordinating outreach efforts for the project.

  • David Kittelson
    Frank B. Rowley Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • Elizabeth Wilson
    Assistant Professor, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
  • Julian Marshall
    Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
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Publications and Presentations

CTS presented results of the study to Minnesota legislators on June 18, 2008, and facilitated a roundtable discussion on key questions facing Minnesota in the climate change debate. View the workshop presentations:

The study team testified at the Minnesota House of Representatives Transportation Finance Committee meeting on March 4, 2008.

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Seminars

CTS held a seminar series to hear from national experts and learn how their work could influence Minnesota’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. The first three seminars were aired live on the Web and are available for later viewing. Coverage of all four will be posted soon.

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