Oral Presentations - Guzman 306

Transportation and the Environment in California

Location

Guzman 306

Start Date

4-24-2015 11:20 AM

End Date

4-24-2015 11:35 AM

Student Type

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor(s)

Kenneth Frost, Ph.D.

Presentation Format

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Description

Recently, the world's crude oil prices have been noticeably falling from about $100 per barrel to about $50 per barrel. This shows a direct correlation to gasoline prices as they have fallen from about $4 per gallon to about $2.75 per gallon. Statistical data and analysis show that consumers tend to travel more when gasoline prices are low. This increase in travel has an immediate impact on greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are the leading factors of global warming and climate change. CO2 levels specifically, are the most abundant of all greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, CO2 levels have passed 400 ppm. Efforts in lowering this concentration have been made by creating laws such as AB-32 in California. This bill seeks to lower California's Greenhouse Gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Whether or not this goal is attainable is cause for concern. With low gasoline prices and an increase in the population growth rate, it may not be possible, through market forces alone, to reach California's goal. Historical data and statistics are necessary in order to estimate the future of greenhouse emissions. By comparing historical data trends in fuel economy and vehicle use, specifically, through fuel pricing, to the trends of today, a better understanding of how far California is from lowering it's emissions target of 1990 is made. Using alternative methods, such as fuel taxation and even rationing, are discussed as alternative tools to reach California's goal.

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Apr 24th, 11:20 AM Apr 24th, 11:35 AM

Transportation and the Environment in California

Guzman 306

Recently, the world's crude oil prices have been noticeably falling from about $100 per barrel to about $50 per barrel. This shows a direct correlation to gasoline prices as they have fallen from about $4 per gallon to about $2.75 per gallon. Statistical data and analysis show that consumers tend to travel more when gasoline prices are low. This increase in travel has an immediate impact on greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are the leading factors of global warming and climate change. CO2 levels specifically, are the most abundant of all greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, CO2 levels have passed 400 ppm. Efforts in lowering this concentration have been made by creating laws such as AB-32 in California. This bill seeks to lower California's Greenhouse Gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Whether or not this goal is attainable is cause for concern. With low gasoline prices and an increase in the population growth rate, it may not be possible, through market forces alone, to reach California's goal. Historical data and statistics are necessary in order to estimate the future of greenhouse emissions. By comparing historical data trends in fuel economy and vehicle use, specifically, through fuel pricing, to the trends of today, a better understanding of how far California is from lowering it's emissions target of 1990 is made. Using alternative methods, such as fuel taxation and even rationing, are discussed as alternative tools to reach California's goal.