Webinar Replay: Decarbonizing the Freight Transportation Sector
On Thursday, November 30, ConservAmerica hosted a webinar on Decarbonizing the Freight Transportation Sector. As the world focuses on more sustainable practices, the role of the freight sector is critical. Projections show that between 2020 and 2050, U.S. freight tonnage will grow by 50 percent. The International Energy Agency estimates that oil demand from trucking alone will grow 25% by 2040. So even as manufacturers expand production of electric passenger and freight vehicles, the near-term growth in freight movements means increased environmental and climate impacts.
The expert panelists explored a wide variety of topics as related to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the freight transportation industry.
To watch the webinar replay click the screen below..
Panelists
Drue Pearce brings a wealth of experience on energy, environment, economic security, and natural resources issues in North America, with special expertise in Alaska and Canada. Drue's sophisticated natural resources experience includes serving as Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the USDOT and as a senior advisor to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretaries Gale Norton and Dirk Kempthorne, primarily handling Alaska Affairs. Drue also served in the Alaska State Legislature for 17 years, presiding as senate president for two terms. She was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by Congress to serve as the Federal Coordinator at the Office of Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.
Loren Smith worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2017-2021, rising to be Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy. There, his work included serving as DOT's Chief Environmental Review Permitting Officer; chair of the management team for the ROUTES Initiative on rural transportation; policy lead on accessibility for persons with disabilities; and member of the task force on regulatory reform, including leading efforts on supersonic aviation. During the 2016-2017 presidential transition, he was the landing team leader for the U.S. Department of Labor. From 2009-2016, Loren was an analyst for Capital Alpha Partners, a DC-based research firm that studies public policy for investors. He specialized in transportation policy, particularly relating to autos and infrastructure, and published more than 500 research notes. Loren previously served at the U.S. Department of Labor and as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill. Before that, he worked for several public-policy-focused non-profit organizations.