On Wednesday September 16, 2020, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) will host a webinar to present updates on program design, modeling, and the implications of COVID-19. The goal of the initiative is to establish a regional policy to encourage the use of low-carbon transportation fuels and investment in transportation projects to achieve additional environmental benefits. The program would cover more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from twelve TCI states and the District of Columbia.

OnLocation Director Frances Wood will attend the virtual meeting to present updates on the integrated modeling  and analysis performed using the TCI-NEMS model. This analysis is being used to inform TCI states during the rulemaking process about the potential impact of key program design elements on the energy system, including changes in emissions, energy supply and demand, and fuel prices. For example, scenario analysis is being used to help inform TCI participants in choosing the appropriate level for a regional cap on CO₂ emissions. Sensitivity analysis using TCI-NEMS has also been used to explore the impact of alternative fuel price pathways, electric vehicle costs, fuel economy standards, and COVID-19 economic conditions. OnLocation customized a version of the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) for use in the TCI project. These enhancements improve the model’s ability to represent the TCI region and to analyze potential regional caps covering emissions from on-road gasoline and diesel combustion.

For more information about the regional Transportation and Climate Initiative, including modeling results discussed in the December 2019 webinar, visit https://www.transportationandclimate.org

OnLocation is an independent analysis firm that uses quantitative methods to better inform business decisions and policy development at a wide variety of energy sector organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and energy-related businesses that represent a broad spectrum of interests. Contact us for a free consultation.