SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: Impacts of Proposed Federal Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Legislation on Texas’ Transportation Economy
Project Number: 161021
Principal Investigator:
Leigh Boske
(512) 232-4005
P.I. Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
Project Monitor:
Dr. David Eaton, Professor
LBJ School of Public Affairs
University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box Y
Austin, TX 78713
(512) 471-8972
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/09
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/10
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $32,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $32,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
The U.S. Congress has signed its intent to move forward to curb national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Constraining GHG emissions will have prolonged effects on numerous sectors of the economy, particularly transportation and electricity generation. This project will entail a full discussion of impacts that is requisite in assessing the Texas transportation sector’s overall liability and opportunity under a national GHG reduction plan.
Project Objectives:
This project will entail a full discussion of impacts that is requisite to assessing the Texas transportation sector’s overall liability and opportunity under a national GHG reduction plan. Understanding the ramifications of regulating carbon as part of a sound environmental stewardship is critical for sustaining economic growth and trade within Region 6.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1. Provide overview of pending federal climate legislation emphasizing how greenhouse gases may be capped and reduced within the transportation sector.
Task 2. Discuss GHG mitigation alternatives.
Task 3. Address how the vertical integration of transportation fuel companies affects the price that gasoline customers pay at the pump.
Task 4. Offer economic explanation of how carbon costs may be passed through the transportation fuel supply chain.
Task 5. Consider how variations in the cost pass-through mechanism may influence the price paid for fuel at the pump.
Task 6. Provide recommendations for specific research in subsequent years. And publish final technical report.
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