The TE3 conference brings economic scholars together with government and industry practitioners to exchange ideas and strengthen collective knowledge for addressing transportation energy and environmental policy challenges.

What transportation energy and environmental policies will foster progress toward long-term climate protection goals given the volatility of energy markets and uncertainties in consumer behavior?

Relevant factors include technology cost and investment needs for vehicles, fuels and related infrastructure; changing demands for travel; social issues including changeable consumer behavior; new mobility services; car sharing; public transportation and other mode choice issues. The theme encompasses tensions between current low fuel prices and tightening fuel economy and GHG emissions standards, as well as longer-term issues around aligning infrastructure, fuel, and vehicle design and consumer education for a sustainable future.

Sponsored by the University of Michigan Energy Institute, this year’s conference will include three paper sessions on economic and policy research that address energy use in the transportation sector and its environmental implications. Last year’s conference featured an outstanding selection of papers covering fuel economy and emissions, technology incentives, alternative fuels, consumer adoption and behavior, impact of vehicle scrappage programs, and infrastructure. In addition, a policy panel with representatives from industry, government and academia will discuss how transportation policy can foster progress towards long term fuel economy and emissions goals in the face of fuel price volatility and greenhouse gas emissions standards.