Driving Factors behind Energy-Related Carbon Emissions in the U.S. Road Transport Sector: A Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

The U.S. is the second largest contributor to carbon emissions in the world, with its road transport sector being one of the most significant emission sources. However, few studies have been conducted on factors influencing the emissions changes for the U.S. from the perspective of passenger and freight transport. This study aimed to evaluate the carbon emissions from the U.S. road passenger and freight transport sectors, using a Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index approach. Emissions from 2008 to 2017 in the U.S. road transport sector were analysed and key findings include: (1) energy intensity and passenger transport intensity are critical for reducing emissions from road passenger transport, and transport structure change is causing a shift in emissions between different passenger transport modes; and (2) the most effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions in the road freight transport sector are to improve energy intensity and reduce freight transport intensity. Several policy recommendations regarding reducing energy and transport intensity are proposed. The results and policy recommendations are expected to provide useful references for policy makers to form carbon emissions reduction strategies for the road transport sector.