With the rise of renewable electricity generation, transportation has emerged as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, accounting for roughly 29% of the total.
Light-duty vehicles, including cars and small trucks, contribute about 57% of these emissions, followed by medium- and heavy-duty trucks at 26%. Buses and motorcycles collectively add 1-2%.
Overall, ground vehicles account for approximately 84-85% of total transportation emissions. Progress in this area has been sluggish, with the US trailing behind other major regions in electric vehicle adoption. This situation is unlikely to change significantly in the near future.
Biden Administration’s Efforts and Challenges
The Biden administration is making efforts to address this issue, with a comprehensive transportation blueprint that aims to decarbonize the sector.
However, historical factors pose major obstacles to these efforts. Post-World War II policies, including fear of nuclear war, racism, and the influence of automobile manufacturers, have resulted in extreme urban sprawl, dispersed industries, and a heavy reliance on cars for transportation.
This makes shifting towards public transit, walking, and cycling a difficult task due to vast distances, lack of density, and inadequate infrastructure.
Rail and Freight Challenges
The US rail system, treated as private property rather than national infrastructure, faces challenges in decarbonization. Rail companies, driven by shareholder interests, prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability.
With a significant portion of their revenue tied to coal and oil transport, declining demand for these fossil fuels threatens rail infrastructure maintenance and could lead to increased derailment rates.
Electrification, the most effective decarbonization strategy for rail, is unlikely to be pursued without government intervention, which is not adequately addressed in the current blueprint.
Aviation and Highway Dominance
The post-World War II era also saw the rise of a massive civil aviation industry, leading to significantly higher air travel compared to other countries.
The extensive highway system, the longest in the world, further reinforces the dominance of cars and trucks for both personal and freight transportation.
Jones Act and the Decline of Domestic Shipping
The Jones Act, a protectionist law mandating that vessels transporting goods between US ports be built, owned, and crewed by Americans, has contributed to the decline of the US shipbuilding industry and domestic freight shipping.
This has led to a situation where the US military fleet outnumbers the merchant marine fleet, hindering the potential for efficient water-based freight transport.
Transportation Blueprint’s Limitations
The transportation blueprint, while aiming to shift towards lower-carbon transportation modes, fails to acknowledge the significant obstacles facing transit, biking, walking, rail, and water-based freight in the US.
Without addressing these challenges, the blueprint’s effectiveness is questionable.
Electric Vehicles: The Only Viable Path
Currently, only electric road vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles (BEVs), offer a viable path to decarbonization. Battery prices are falling, energy densities are increasing, and electric cars can travel long distances on a single charge.
However, the US lags behind Canada and Europe in incentivizing electric freight truck adoption, limiting progress in this area.
Leadership in Electrification and Protectionist Policies
Tesla has played a crucial role in driving EV adoption in North America, but its success has been hindered by protectionist policies like tariffs on imported Chinese cars.
These tariffs exacerbate the affordability issue, as US automakers struggle to produce electric cars accessible to the majority of Americans.
Consequently, US cars are aging, and the average lifespan before being scrapped has increased since 2000. This is partly due to income inequality and policies favoring the wealthy.
Misguided Investments in Hydrogen and Synthetic Fuels
The transportation blueprint also relies on hydrogen and synthetic fuels, which have proven to be expensive and inefficient for decarbonizing transportation.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) attempts to address this through subsidies for low-carbon fuels, but these investments are ultimately misguided.
EPA Regulations and EV Charging Infrastructure
In the absence of a comprehensive national carbon price on fuels, the EPA has reinstated and strengthened vehicle emissions standards.
Additionally, the Biden administration is investing in expanding the EV charging infrastructure, aiming for 500,000 chargers by 2030.
Contrasting Approaches: Biden vs. Trump
While the Biden administration is making efforts, its investments are often misdirected, and protectionist policies hinder progress. Trump’s campaign promises are even more detrimental, with plans to roll back climate-friendly provisions and promote unsustainable ideas like “Freedom Cities” and urban air mobility.
In conclusion, the US faces significant challenges in decarbonizing transportation. While the Biden administration is taking steps in the right direction, there’s a need for a more comprehensive and targeted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem.