Reducing motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in a Non-California State: A case study of Minnesota

Approaches for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from motor vehicles include more-efficient vehicles, lower-carbon fuels, and reducing vehicle-kilometers traveled (VKT). Many U.S. states are considering steps to reduce emissions through actions in one or more of these areas. We model several technology and policy options for reducing GHGs from motor vehicles in Minnesota. Considerable analysis of transportation GHGs has been done for California, which has a large population and vehicle fleet and can enact unique emissions regulations; Minnesota represents a more typical state with respect to many demographic and transportation parameters. We conclude that Minnesota has a viable approach to meeting its stated GHG reduction targets (15% by 2015 and 30% by 2025, relative to year 2005) only if advancements are made in all three areassvehicle efficiency, carbon content of fuels, and VKT. If policies focus on only one or two areas, potential improvements may be negated by backsliding in another area (e.g., increasing VKT offsetting improvements in vehicle efficiency).