TECHNOLOGY AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

Automotive fuel economy has returned to the national policy agenda after a lengthy absence. Two growing problems are causing the renewed interest: 1) the threat of global warming; and 2) the increasing dependency on imported petroleum. Transportation is a significant part of the global warming problem, contributing 20 percent of the total U.S. CO2 emissions. In the case of petroleum dependency, it is virtually the entire problem. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependency will require more efficient use of energy as well as greater use of alternative fuels. We have successfully devised policies to increase automotive fuel economy in the past and have the opportunity to learn from that experience as we formulate fuel-economy policies in the future. We must choose among several policies now being discussed: gasoline tax increases, vehicle efficiency taxes and rebates, alternative forms of higher fuel-economy standards, and increased research, development and demonstration of advanced fuel-economy technology.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  Energy, Environment and Resources Center
  Knoxville, TN  United States  37996
• Authors:
  • Greene, D L
• Publication Date: 1990-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 23-29
• Serial:
  • Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Energy resources; Equipment; Fuel conservation; Fuel consumption; Fuels; Global warming; Petroleum industry; Policy making; Pollutants; Rates; Supply; Taxation; Taxes
• Old TRIS Terms: Fuel shortage; Fuel-saving devices
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Finance; Highways; Policy; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00600254
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 31 1990 12:00AM