Beyond Electrification: Policy Options for Cutting Carbon Emissions in the Transportation Sector

by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Transportation represents the largest direct source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and policymakers are pushing to fully electrify the sector to help meet national climate goals. A webinar on January 6th 2021, hosted by ConservAmerica, discussed different technologies in addition to electrification and policy pathways available to Congress in the race to decarbonize and defossilize transportation.

Those leading the discussion were David Banks of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Daniel Gage of NGVAmerica, Robbie Diamond of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association, and Mike McAdams of Advanced Biofuels USA, with Todd Johnston of ConservAmerica moderating.

With the global demand for liquid fuels increasing consistently into 2050 we must focus on solutions that provide global low carbon transport. There are many options for this as technology advances, and the general consensus is that we cannot solely depend on electric vehicles, and must look toward multiple solutions in order to make a difference.

The speakers also discussed how the solutions available to the US may not be available to other nations. Therefore, global policy needs to reflect a range of scenarios that will aid in alleviating carbon emissions while also aiding communities.

These solutions include access to cleaner fuels, biofuels, drop-in fuels, ethanol mixtures which will help decrease oil dependence and use as the United States progresses. The conversation during the webinar focused on these solutions and the global strategy that must be implemented with importance being placed on research, development and innovation.

Another topic of discussion was the issue of national security that comes to the auto industry and oil, and other natural resources necessary for EV batteries. Other solutions include the need to expand E15 and E85 fuels, and increase the amount of fueling spaces for these flex fuels.

Solutions must be local, while providing for communities that are not able to make a complete shift to EVs due to costs, and consumer preferences. The more options brought about by diverse policy, the more possibilities there are for consumers to make positive environmental changes. READ MORE/WATCH Presentation

*Hannah DelSordo, a junior at Dickinson College majoring in International Studies and French, volunteers at Advanced Biofuels USA in preparation for a career working on environmental issues and policy.