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MIT study finds fuel economy standards are 6-14 times less cost effective than fuel tax for reducing gasoline use

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In a study published in the journal Energy Economics , MIT researchers have found that a fuel economy standard is at least six to fourteen times less cost effective than a fuel tax when targeting an identical reduction in cumulative gasoline use (20% by 2050). Paltsev, M. Babiker, J.M. 2012.09.001.

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Obama climate plan calls for new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018; cleaner fuels and investment in advanced fossil energy

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Among the transportation-related elements of US President Barack Obama’s new climate action plan, which he is outlining today in a speech at Georgetown University, is the development of new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018. Preparing the US for the impacts of climate change. Earlier post.).

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Australia PM Gillard announces carbon pricing plan; transport fuels exempt, but lowered fuel tax credits to bring carbon price to some businesses

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We have had a long debate about climate change in this country. Most Australians now agree our climate is changing, this is caused by carbon pollution, this has harmful effects on our environment and on the economy—and the Government should act. Transport fuels will be excluded from the carbon pricing mechanism.

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Study finds higher gasoline taxes do not disproportionately impact the poor, especially in developing countries

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Sterner is lead author in the UN climate panel’s (IPCC) working group Mitigation of Climate Change. Sterner is also the editor of the new book Fuel Taxes and the Poor, The Distributional Effects of Gasoline Taxation and Their Implications for Climate Policy , authored by 35 researchers. —Thomas Sterner.

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Study finds behavior-influencing policies remain critical for mass market success of low-carbon vehicles

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More than 90% of such vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines burning oil-derived fuels. Encouraging the use of low-carbon alternatives is an essential part of meeting climate change targets as well as improving local air quality and health. Note the different scaling used in the graphs. McCollum et al. Click to enlarge.

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Senators Sanders, Boxer propose legislation to institute GHG price on large stationary sources and remove support for fossil fuel industries

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The legislation also proposes numerous actions against financing and support for fossil fuel industries. Imported fuels and products would also be charged the same carbon fee that domestic fuels and products play, unless the exporting nation has similar climate program and already charges a fee on carbon. Debt reduction.

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Analysis concludes that current transportation policy in most US states will likely worsen GHG emission trends in US

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emissions, according to a new analysis released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Smart Growth America (SGA). In the 50-state assessment, no state received a higher grade than “B-,” and most states scored lower than “D,” demonstrating a lack of alignment between transportation and climate policies, according to the analysis.