What would it take for the United States to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050? America's Zero Carbon Action Plan (ZCAP), released last week, sets out to answer that question. Building on the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project, ZCAP offers a framework for large-scale change of the U.S. energy system with a focus on four core elements: technological change, federalism, foreign policy, and industrial policy. GCC's Executive Director Vicki Arroyo and Senior Associate Matthew Goetz were two of 100 experts who worked on the report, which coalesces insights, recommendations, and analysis from specialists in clean energy technologies, energy modeling, economics, resource management, and U.S. policy. 

Professor Arroyo participated in the launch of the overall ZCAP report October 27, then presented a deeper dive into the transportation chapter October 29 with her co-authors, including Transportation Working Group co-chairs Dan Sperling and Lew Fulton from UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS). Hundreds of people from 11 countries tuned in to learn more about the specific strategies and policy options for reducing emissions, building resilience, and facilitating a just transition to a zero-carbon economy. 

Professors Arroyo, Sperling, and Fulton have also authored a related blog post on the UC Davis ITS website, entitled "A National Zero Carbon Transportation Plan for the U.S.", which discusses the recommendations in the ZCAP transportation chapter, including electrification, alternative low-carbon fuels, multi-modal transportation including walking and biking infrastructure, public transit, improved telecommunication, and accessible transportation for all people.  The full ZCAP report, recordings of last week’s webinars, and other resources are linked below.

America's Zero Carbon Action Plan

• Learn more about ZCAP
• America's Zero Carbon Action Plan (full report)
• America's Zero Carbon Action Plan Executive Summary
• ZCAP launch slide deck
• Watch the ZCAP launch webinar recording

Chapter 5.2: Accelerating Deep Decarbonization in the U.S. Transportation Sector

• Accelerating Deep Decarbonization in the U.S. Transportation Sector (full chapter)
• Chapter Executive Summary
• Transforming Transportation webinar slide deck
• Blog Post: "A National Zero Carbon Transportation Plan for the U.S."
• Watch the Transforming Transportation webinar recording