Reporter Resource: New Analysis of CA Transportation Policies, Expert Briefings

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Next 10 report by the University of California, Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy assesses the latest comprehensive studies around cost-effectiveness, potential for carbon emissions abatement and technological feasibility of policies that could make or break the state's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020 and beyond.

The transportation policies analyzed in Achieving California's Greenhouse Gas Goals: A Focus on Transportation include the "Pavley" regulations or vehicle emissions standards (key findings pg. 13), the Zero Emission Vehicle regulation (key findings pg. 29), SB 375 (key findings pg. 46), the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (key findings pg. 71), and the "fuels in the cap" component of the AB 32 cap-and-trade program (key findings pg. 88).

The report includes discussions of:

• How vehicle emissions standards could impact the amount Californians drive (pg. 17); how vehicle sticker prices would be impacted by vehicle emissions standards (pg. 18); the cost impact of the policy on the industry (pg. 19); how much these vehicles will save consumers at the pump (pg. 20); and the value of the health and other benefits of the standards (pg. 23).
• California's leadership in driving the nation's markets for zero-emission vehicles (pg. 30).
• Which strategies to build sustainable communities create the greatest reduction in driving (pg. 50).
• How California's fuel providers have met the requirements of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard thus far (pg. 75) and the cost-effectiveness of the policy (pg. 78).
• The costs and benefits of cutting the carbon intensity of our transportation fuels (pg. 77) and what is likely to be the key to the success of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (pg. 81).
• The possible gasoline price impacts of putting fuels under the AB 32 cap (pg.88), and the related emissions reductions (pg. 101).

One key conclusion in the analysis is that the current policies are technologically feasible but limited incentives, unfunded mandates and other factors may create barriers to implementation. The report makes specific recommendations to address these barriers in order to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals beyond 2020 (pg. 107) including:

1. Increasing certainty around emission reductions, fuel costs and overall travel costs by assessing policy price signals and their impact on consumer behavior.
2. Supplying resources to support the implementation of the state's smart growth law, SB 375, and creating enforcement mechanisms.
3. Designing policies with long-term reduction goals in mind.
4. Seeking regulatory harmonization with other states that have adopted low carbon fuel standards and other carbon mitigation programs.

Expert interviews are available Aug. 25-31 by calling Cater Communications (415.453.0430) to schedule.

About Next 10

Next 10 (www.Next10.org) is an independent, nonpartisan organization that educates, engages and empowers Californians to improve the state's future. With a focus on the intersection between the economy, the environment, and quality of life, Next 10 employs research from leading experts on complex state issues and creates a portfolio of nonpartisan educational materials to foster a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting our state.

Contact: Cater Communications 415.453.0430

SOURCE Next 10

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