Incorporating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Long Range Transportation Planning

(PI: Joe Zietsman (TTI), CoPIs: Dennis Perkinson, Phillip Reeder, Tara Ramani, Todd Carlson, Reza Farzaneh, Chandra Bhat, Elena McDonald-Buller, and Amit Bhasin)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to be an important focus area for state, local and federal agencies. Transportation agencies are also moving towards tackling the issue of GHG emissions. It is also likely that, in the future, transportation funding may be tied to demonstration of GHG reductions in long range transportation plans. TxDOT plays a major role not just in statewide long range transportation planning, but in working with MPOs and other stakeholders on their plans, in allocating federal funds, and planning and implementing transportation projects. The aim of this research is to equip TxDOT with the necessary tools and information to address potential rules and regulations relating to long range transportation planning and GHGs. This research will conduct a review of literature, policy and regulation, practices of other agencies, as well as TxDOT -specific practices, issues and needs. The research will then develop a framework by which GHG emissions can be incorporated into long range transportation plans, through appropriate control strategies, analysis methods, and performance measures. The outcome of this research project will directly benefit TxDOT and its partner agencies, including MPOs, by allowing TxDOT to proactively address the topic of GHG emissions through long range transportation planning.