The prospect of global warming caused by an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a major policy issue. According to USDOT, the transportation sector is currently responsible for approximately one-quarter of GHG emissions in the United States and a majority of fuel consumption. Within the Federal-aid highway program states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have the major decision-making authority for highway construction projects and system operations. Research is needed to understand the relative GHG reduction and energy efficiency capability of transportation related strategies that States and MPOs can deliver. Research is also needed to develop a critical path for state transportation departments and MPOs to follow when participating in state or regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency improvements.
The project has been completed and the final report submitted to AASHTO
