Whether the goal is to mitigate climate change or increase energy security, transportation is arguably the most important segment of the U.S. energy economy. However, the federal government’s key policy for reducing fuel consumption in transportation—fuel economy standards—is proving to be both expensive and inefficient, particularly as consumer buying habits have changed amid low oil prices. A new policy proposal seeks to improve the standards by introducing a more market-based approach.

“The current policy is loaded with loopholes and inefficiencies that undermine fuel savings,” says EPIC Executive Director Sam Ori, one of the authors of the proposal. “It also regulates efficiency rather than consumption, leaving as much as three fourths of potential savings on the table. And, it is highly vulnerable to volatile oil prices, which federal regulators now acknowledge means that the originally promised fuel savings will not be achieved.”

Ori explains that their new proposal, co-authored by EPIC’s Director Michael Greenstone and Harvard professor Cass Sunstein, offers an opportunity to achieve more cost-effective and certain fuel savings by removing considerations of vehicle type and size, refocusing on expected lifetime vehicle emissions, and establishing a robust cap-and-trade program.

The proposal contains three main elements:

  • Regulate expected CO2 emissions directly. Standards would be equalized to treat light trucks and larger vehicles with the same level of stringency as they treat other vehicles.
  • Estimate and target a vehicle’s lifetime emissions. Current standards based on fuel efficiency alone would be replaced with expected lifetime emissions, incorporating consideration of vehicle usage.
  • Develop a robust cap-and-trade market to reduce compliance costs. The EPA would establish a nationwide cap on lifetime vehicle emissions and allow automakers to trade credits more flexibly.

“Overall, these changes would dramatically reduce the costs of achieving fuel and emissions savings in transportation no matter the policy goal,” Ori says. “Importantly, this policy approach could be implemented without new legislation, making it highly relevant as the Trump Administration considers reforms to fuel economy standards.”

Areas of Focus: Energy Markets
Definition
Energy Markets
Well-functioning markets are essential for providing access to reliable, affordable energy. EPIC research is uncovering the policies, prices and information needed to help energy markets work efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Definition
Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is lauded as a promising way to reduce emissions and lower energy costs. Yet, a robust body of research demonstrates that not all efficiency investments deliver. EPIC...
Fossil Fuels
Definition
Fossil Fuels
Under current policies, fossil fuels will play an important role in the energy system for the foreseeable future. EPIC research is exploring the costs and benefits of these fuels as...
Transportation
Definition
Transportation
Mobility is central to economic activity. Yet, a lack of fuel diversity and continued demand growth have made the transportation industry a major contributor to global pollution and carbon emissions....
Climate Economics
Definition
Climate Economics
Climate change will affect every sector of the economy, both locally and globally. EPIC research is quantifying these effects to help guide policymakers, businesses, and individuals working to mitigate and...
Climate Law & Policy
Definition
Climate Law & Policy
As countries around the world implement policies to confront climate change, EPIC research is calculating which policies will have the most impact for the least cost.
Fuel Economy Standards
Definition
Fuel Economy Standards
Fuel economy standards are the United States’ cornerstone transportation policy aimed at reducing both oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. EPIC research is exploring whether these standards are structured optimally...
Definition
Well-functioning markets are essential for providing access to reliable, affordable energy. EPIC research is uncovering the policies, prices and information needed to help energy markets work efficiently.
Fossil Fuels
Definition
Fossil Fuels
Under current policies, fossil fuels will play an important role in the energy system for the foreseeable future. EPIC research is exploring the costs and benefits of these fuels as...
Transportation
Definition
Transportation
Mobility is central to economic activity. Yet, a lack of fuel diversity and continued demand growth have made the transportation industry a major contributor to global pollution and carbon emissions....
Energy Efficiency
Definition
Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is lauded as a promising way to reduce emissions and lower energy costs. Yet, a robust body of research demonstrates that not all efficiency investments deliver. EPIC...