The transportation sector accounts for 1/3rd of all green house gasses, according to Senator Inouye, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation. The hearing ‘Climate Change Impacts on the Transportation Sector’, held on June 24th, assessed both how climate change will affect transportation and how transportation affects climate change. Major points of discussion included the need to increase efficiency, develop alternative fuels, expand mass transit, and anticipate infrastructure degradation.

Thomas Barrett, deputy secretary of the Department of Transportation, discussed the importance of fuel efficiency and alternative fuels. He also felt that changes to reduce congestion on roadways can have a significant effect on green house gas emissions, as highway congestion wastes an estimated two billion gallons of gas per year. Barrett also reported that, due to market pressures, the aviation industry has found ways to decrease their fuel consumption in recent years despite increased freight, and pointed to this as a model for the rest of the transportation sector.

Dr. Thomas Peterson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed concern regarding climate change’s effects on the transportation sector. Effects include infrastructure damaged from increased flooding as a result of storms and rising seas, and problems such as rail tracks buckling and pavement cracking during days of extreme heat and cold. NOAA hopes these concerns and others will be considered when building future transportation systems and updating older ones. We must consider what material will be best in the changing climate, so as to ensure durability and safety for the future.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) ridiculed the low CAFE (fuel economy) standards of American automobiles, arguing that their current goal of 35 mpg by 2020 falls far behind other countries’ more immediate goals. Barrett responded with concerns about costs and the availability of technology. He generally argued that we should let the market run its course. Kerry countered that the technology is available, and that according to NASA scientist James Hansen we have 10 years at most to reduce green house gas emissions to less than 450 ppm. Letting the market run its course may take too long.

David Friedman of the Union of Concerned Scientists agreed with others present that cap and trade will not be sufficient in the transportation sector, as there are currently too few alternatives to choose. Developments must be made in fields like biofuels, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrids. He does not feel that the market alone will provide these fuels soon enough. Some senators expressed concern regarding how to select one of the many different alternative fuels discussed. To this, Friedman suggested a ‘performance-based’ policy of fuel incentives that rewards and encourages alternatives based on how well they work. This keeps the field open to new and existing alternative fuels.

The senators agreed that there is no ‘Silver Bullet’ and that a portfolio of solutions is required. Unfortunately, some of these solutions will require significant funds to be implemented, and will thus face resistance. However, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee seemed to understand the reality of the climate change challenge and showed a desire to respond responsibly.