National Institute for Transportation and Communities

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Abstract: Climate change may be the most serious and urgent issue facing the transportation sector. Transportation is both a major producer of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is also vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Major reductions in GHG emissions from the transportation sector will be needed in order to avoid the most serious effects of climate change. Travel models can play an important role in evaluating strategies for reducing transportation sector GHG emissions, but prevailing travel models do not address a number of factors that significantly affect GHG emissions. The GreenSTEP model was developed to fill this gap. The model estimates household level vehicle travel, energy consumption, and GHG emissions. GreenSTEP is currently being used to assist the development of ODOT's Statewide Transportation Strategy for reducing GHG emissions and Metro's Climate Smart Communities scenario planning process.

Speaker Bio: Brian Gregor is a senior transportation analyst for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) where for the past 15 years he has worked on a variety of transportation and land use modeling and analysis projects. He is the principal developer of the GreenSTEP and Land Use Scenario DevelopeR (LUSDR) models. He has also worked on the development and application of Oregon's Statewide Integrated Model (SWIM), lead the automation of ODOT's modeling processes...

Portland State University, Urban Center (SW 6th and Mill), Parsons Gallery, Level 2

Special Transportation Seminar:

Join us for a presentation by Projjal Dutta, NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s first-ever Director, Sustainability. He tries to reduce MTA’s environmental footprint and quantify carbon benefits that accrue to the region from transit. This unrecognized service, if priced, can generate substantial resources for transit.

Sponsored by PSU's College of Urban and Public Affairs and the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium

The video begins at 2:48.

Abstract: Diesel engines are the most efficient combustion engine currently available. Their power, durability and economy make them the engine of choice for a wide variety of applications, most notably in freight movement. Their exhaust, long regarded as a nuisance for the smoke and odor, is increasingly implicated in elevated risk for cardiovascular, neurological and respiratory adverse health impacts, as well as being a notable contributor to other environmental impacts like regional haze and climate change. The state of Oregon, since 2001 has undertaken a voluntary, incentive supported approach to owners and operators of existing diesel engines to reduce emissions using a variety of strategies with mixed results. This discussion will summarize that effort, evaluate the economics of cleaning up diesel engines as a public health strategy and outline the potential for further mitigation.

The video begins at 5:37.

Southern California is working to address challenges involving air quality, mobility, energy, climate and economic recovery.  The South Coast Air Quality Management District —the government agency responsible for attaining healthful air in the greater Los Angeles region—is working with transportation agencies, ports, local and state governments, and private stakeholders to develop air quality solutions.  Transitioning to zero and near zero emission transportation technologies, such as those powered by electricity, is a key strategy with potential to address multiple challenges.  This presentation will provide an overview of the air quality challenges faced by this region, and describe clean energy solutions being developed that have potential co-benefits for energy security, mobility, climate, and economic growth.