Rand Corporation releases brief on “Integrating U.S. Climate, Energy, and Transportation Policies”

The Rand Corporation released a brief titled “Integrating U.S. Climate, Energy, and Transportation Policies,” after convening three workshops of climate change, energy and transportation that addressed technological innovation, public policy, potential legislation, international cooperation and public engagement.

The workshops concluded that “there are significant obstacles to achieving major emissions reductions through behavioral change, especially in the near term. Behavioral change can take many forms, including driving less, purchasing more energy-efficient appliances and vehicles, using less electricity, and switching to alternative sources of electricity.

“Small changes in individual and business behavior can add up to large decreases in collective greenhouse-gas emissions,” the report continued. “Although some behavioral change may occur voluntarily through increased public awareness of climate change, government policy incentives seek to encourage such change. Market-based approaches are one form of incentive; direct financial benefits, such as tax credits, represent another category.”

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