Opening Day
Victoria Sheehan, Transportation Research Board, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Firas Ibrahim, U.S. Department of Transportation
Gretchen Goldman, U.S. Department of Transportation
Torsten Klimke, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
Jane Amilhat, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Robert Hampshire, U.S. Department of Transportation
Ann Shikany, U.S. Department of Transportation
Chris Hendrickson, Carnegie Mellon University
Gereon Meyer, VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
Kelly Fleming, Federation of American Scientists
Patricia “Paty” Romero-Lankao, University of Toronto
Karen Vancluysen, POLIS Network
Margriet van Schijndel-de Nooij, Eindhoven University of Technology
Heng Wei, University of Cincinnati
Tasman Crowe, University College Dublin
Timothy Sexton, City of Minneapolis
WELCOME FROM THE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD
Victoria Sheehan
Victoria Sheehan provided a welcome from the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. She noted that TRB was pleased to host the seventh European Union–United States (EU-U.S.) Symposium, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the European Commission (EC).
Sheehan noted that TRB assisted with the first six symposia, which have enhanced transatlantic information sharing, coordination, and cooperation in transportation research. The symposia provide the opportunity for individuals from public agencies, academia, and industry to discuss key issues, research needs, and joint activities.
Sheehan expressed her gratitude to the TRB staff assisting with the symposium, including Tom Menzies and Brittany Bishop. She also recognized the symposium planning committee, including the co-chairs, for the development of an outstanding agenda.
WELCOME FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Firas Ibrahim and Gretchen Goldman
Firas Ibrahim extended a welcome from U.S. DOT. He emphasized the value of the transatlantic partnership, since transportation is important in all areas of the world. Transportation connects families, friends, jobs, education, health care, and recreation. It is vital to the economy and drives prosperity.
Ibrahim noted that the unintended consequences of the transportation system include contributing approximately one-third of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change. He commented that these impacts can be noted on a daily basis with record high temperatures and more frequent storms. Furthermore, he noted that climate change recognizes no boundaries, affecting all areas of the world.
Stressing the importance of the decarbonization revolution, Ibrahim discussed action that was needed now to save our way of life and to build a better future for everyone. He encouraged participants to think of themselves over the 2-day symposium as architects of the future. Ibrahim noted that embracing global partnerships will be important to ensure that the future does not include a conflict between progress and sustainability. He noted the importance of embracing green technologies and change as a moral obligation to future generations.
Gretchen Goldman provided a welcome from the U.S. DOT Climate Change Research and Technology Program and the U.S. DOT Climate Change Center. Goldman noted that assisting with the symposium was one of the first tasks she took on when she moved to U.S. DOT from the White House a year ago. She described the challenge of addressing transportation decarbonization without sacrificing mobility, accessibility, and equity. She noted that the decisions made now will determine if, and when, the United States is able to reach zero emissions from the transportation sector.
Goldman described the two main strategies being used by U.S. DOT to meet the zero-emissions goal. The first strategy focuses on implementing the diverse programs contained in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, and the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. The second strategy focuses on investments in research and technology. Goldman stated that now is the time to make clear-eyed decisions to address decarbonizing the transportation sector. She indicated that working with diverse groups will be needed to accomplish the goal of decarbonization. She also noted that that there is much to be learned and shared between the United States and the European Union to help achieve the goal.
WELCOME FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Torsten Klimke and Jane Amilhat
Torsten Klimke provided a welcome from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. Noting the benefits of the previous symposia, Klimke stressed the importance of relaunching the EU-U.S. symposia, which were initiated in 2013. Klimke noted the importance of focusing on the topic of decarbonizing the transportation sector. He discussed the European election the previous weekend, which will influence future directions of the European Union. He noted that the transition to decarbonization will need to be inclusive, affordable, fair, and competitive. He suggested that the similarities between the European Union and the United States support the importance of working together on decarbonizing the transportation sector.
Jane Amilhat provided a welcome from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Amilhat discussed the benefits of the previous symposia, including sharing information, experiences, and research results between the European Union and the United States. She described the extensive coverage of transport research topics in the current, ninth research framework program, Horizon Europe. She noted that plan-
ning for the 10th research framework program from 2028 to 2034 is beginning. Amilhat said that the ideas from this symposium will be beneficial in developing the next program. She also noted that the existing and future research programs focus on both technology and social science projects. Ensuring that technology enhances mobility, access, and equity is important in both the European Union and the United States. She stressed that there are many common interests between the European Union and the United States and working together on research and innovation will help accomplish similar goals.
KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
Robert Hampshire and Ann Shikany
Robert Hampshire welcomed colleagues from Europe and North America to the symposium on behalf of the U.S. DOT Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. Hampshire noted that moving research and innovation into action was an important theme of the symposium from the U.S. DOT perspective. He noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prediction of a historic hurricane season speaks to the importance of the symposium topic of decarbonizing the transportation sector.
Hampshire encouraged participants to focus on transforming research and innovation into action. He noted that the BIL and the Infrastructure Reduction Act, as well as the CHIPS and Science Act, represent transformational legislation that provides funding that can be used to build projects working with diverse stakeholders in communities throughout the country. He noted that the legislation provides opportunities for major transportation improvements to ensure thriving communities that are resilient in the face of climate change. He challenged participants to discuss working with state, local, and tribal partners to move research into action and deliver transportation projects that focus on addressing climate change.
Hampshire reviewed many of the programs funded through his office, which focus on improving transportation mobility and revolutionizing transportation. The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program represents a community-driven technology program. A total of 93 Stage 1 SMART grant awards have been made, representing approximately $14 billion in funding. The projects focus on resiliency, reducing congestion, expanding the use of low-carbon vehicles, and improving transit services and bicycle and pedestrian facilities to provide individuals with more mobility and active transportation options. The projects target at least one of eight technology areas—connected vehicles, delivery and logistics, sensors, systems integration, coordinated automation, innovative aviation, SMART grid, and SMART infrastructure. He noted that SMART grant projects provide a holistic approach to transportation and move research from the laboratory into practice.
The following University Transportation Centers (UTCs) represent a second program administered by his office. The UTC program provides $450 million for the 5-year period to support consortiums that include some 140 universities throughout the country. Hampshire reported that the UTCs provide a brain trust of transportation expertise, conducting research and educating the next generation of transportation professionals.
Hampshire noted that the conversations at this symposium will help move research into action. He described his participation as a faculty member in the 2016 EU-U.S. symposium in Brussels. He said that the symposium provided introductions to colleagues throughout the United States and the European Union. He said it was very beneficial to learn from others and to share different perspectives and experiences. He noted that the importance of restarting the EU-U.S. symposium was to foster transatlantic collaboration.
As the U.S. DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, and one of the lead U.S. DOT climate change policy officials, Ann Shikany noted the importance of the symposium. She stressed the benefits and special nature of working with a small group of colleagues from the European Union and the United States to discuss the issues with and opportunities from decarbonizing the transportation sector.
Shikany discussed the importance of addressing climate change. She suggested that the symposium results will be beneficial to communities, industries, and the ecosystem. She noted that the U.S. DOT Policy Office works closely with Hampshire and the research group to provide the data and tools to inform solid climate policies that are vital to reaching goals addressing global climate change.
Shikany supported the comments by other speakers that recent federal legislation provides numerous opportunities to address critical issues, including funding for research that will help address climate change. She noted the need for a future transportation system that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
Shikany described the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization developed by the Policy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and EPA. The blueprint focuses on how to holistically reduce GHG emissions. The three main strategies in the blueprint address efficiency, convenience, and clean fuels. Efficiency focuses on making each mile of driving less carbon intensive and promoting mode shifts to bicycling and walking, as well as moving freight from trucks to rail and maritime where possible. Convenience focuses on making trips easier and reducing the amount of travel or the need to travel. The third strategy focuses on electric, hydrogen, and other zero-emission fuels. She noted U.S. DOE’s hydrogen initiative as an example of one possible approach. She also highlighted the recent U.S. DOT Notice of Funding Opportunity that provides $1.3 billion for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. She noted that all of these strategies require research and good data.
OPENING COMMENTS FROM THE SYMPOSIUM CO-CHAIRS
Chris Hendrickson and Gereon Meyer
Chris Hendrickson and Gereon Meyer welcomed participants on behalf of the symposium planning committee. They reviewed the purpose, scope, and agenda for the symposium. Hendrickson noted that the symposium topic was selected due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. These impacts range from extreme weather to glacial melting and sea level rise. Hendrickson reported that addressing climate change by reducing GHG emissions from vehicles and the movement of people and goods represents the broad focus of the symposium. Other topics of interest are the additional negative impacts of the transportation sector, including inefficiency, cost, lack of resiliency, and inequality. He said the discussions at the symposium should seek ways to mitigate these negative impacts and to identify actions that can be taken. He supported Hampshire’s comments that the symposium could improve the relationship between the European Union and the United States.
Meyer reiterated the comments of other speakers on the critical need to decarbonize the transportation sector to address climate change. He also stressed the urgency of taking action to reduce transportation contributions to GHG emissions. He noted that this symposium could help identify research and actions to enhance the European Union and United States collaboration to decarbonizing the transportation sector.
Meyer reviewed the symposium agenda, which included presentations, breakout groups, and full group discussions. The first morning included a summary of the white paper prepared for the symposium and overviews of the four exploratory topics. The topics included accelerating the transition to electrification and alternative fuels; ensuring a just transition to net-zero transport; leveraging digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and other integrated system-of-systems technologies to decarbonize transportation; and implementing sustainable and resilient land use and transportation system design.
Participants spent the remainder of the morning and early afternoon in breakout groups discussing one of the four exploratory topics. The breakout groups were tasked with identifying research topics of mutual interest, collaboration opportunities, and potential follow-up actions. Summaries of each breakout group were presented in a plenary session, with all participants having the opportunity to provide additional thoughts and ideas.
The second day included a summary of all the discussions on the four exploratory topics and presentations on relevant U.S. and EU policies, programming, and collaboration. General sessions were held to discuss research and innovation collaboration pathways for opportunities, challenges and themes, and policy-level strategies, instruments, and tools. The symposium closed with remarks from the lead delegates.
PRESENTATION OF THE SYMPOSIUM WHITE PAPER
Decarbonization in the Transportation System: A Joint Perspective from the United States and the European Union
Kelly Fleming and Gereon Meyer
Kelly Fleming and Gereon Meyer summarized their white paper “Decarbonization in the Transportation System: A Joint Perspective from the United States and the European Union.” The white paper was distributed to participants in advance of the symposium and is provided in its entirety in Appendix A, including references for the information summarized in their presentation.
Fleming and Meyer discussed the urgency and global approach needed to address climate change, including transatlantic research collaboration focusing on the role that the transportation sector plays in addressing these issues. The white paper content focuses on the impacts of transportation emissions, including social, economic, and environmental implications. It also highlights challenges of and barriers to decarbonization and new and emerging technologies that may help address these issues. Finally, the white paper reviews examples of U.S. and EU policies and programs and identifies key questions on research and collaboration for further discussion at the symposium.
Fleming reviewed the GHG emissions from different economic sectors. She noted that the transportation sector accounts for 23% of global GHG emissions, 28% of GHG emissions in the United States, and 23% of GHG emissions in the European Union. On-road vehicles account for the majority of these emissions. She noted that in the European Union, the aviation sector represents the largest increase in GHG since 1990, while road transportation has been relatively constant. Fleming indicated that the aviation and maritime sectors, along with heavy-duty trucks, are the most challenging to electrify. She reported that 97% of transportation GHG emissions are from petroleum fuel, which also emits particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide. Furthermore, 98% of Class 8 heavy-duty trucks in the United States use diesel fuels. These vehicles account for 57% of PM2.5 emissions and 45% of NOx emissions.
Fleming noted that in the United States, on-road vehicles are the largest contributor to GHG in the transportation sector. More than half of the GHG emissions in the United States are from light-duty on-road vehicles and passenger vehicles. She noted that despite the best efforts of regulators in the United States, emissions have not decreased. One factor influencing this trend is that vehicles continue to increase in size, offsetting efficiency improvements that reduce GHG emissions.
Fleming highlighted the potential technology pathways to decarbonization for the various modes. She noted that the use of battery electric sources holds the greatest long-term potential for light-duty vehicles, while hydrogen seems to be the most promising fuel for long-haul trucks. Sustainable liquid fuels represent the greatest long-term opportunity for the maritime and aviation modes. She also noted that clean fuels may supplement the transition to electric-powered vehicles. Furthermore, connected and automated vehicle technology and smart infrastructure may play a role in reducing emissions. She described some of the research and development needs associated with different technologies.
Fleming discussed equity and environmental justice implications of decarbonization of the transportation system using historic data from the San Francisco/Oakland region in California. She highlighted the impacts of previous transportation projects on air pollution in lower income areas. She stressed the need to include all groups in public outreach and engagement. She also highlighted the potential job creation impacts from different EV systems and activities.
Meyer described the following barriers to strategies, policies, and programs aimed at decarbonizing the transportation system:
- Public perceptions, acceptance, and expectations;
- Uncertainties related to potential changes in public policies;
- Complexity of the innovation process, including technology, society, business, regulation, and human factors;
- Integration of energy, transportation, and data systems; and
- Global supply chain dependencies that may inhibit decarbonization efforts.
Meyer described the differences in the sale and registration of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the United States, Europe, and China. Although the market shares for EVs and PHEVs are growing throughout the world, the levels are higher in China and Europe, partially due to differences in public policies, perceptions, and acceptance levels.
Meyer discussed future directions that will influence progress toward decarbonizing the transportation sector. He noted that advances in resource efficiency, including batteries, light-weight materials, and the circular economy will be important. He suggested that the digital transformation will continue to drive efficiency with the use of AI and big data. The impact of automated and software-defined vehicles and robotics will also be important. He suggested that the shift from bottom-up to top-down system control will play a role. He suggested that the demand-pull versus push for technology and societal readiness will play an important role.
Fleming reviewed recent U.S. policies and programs that influence decarbonizing the transportation sector. She noted that the BIL and the Inflation Reduction Act provide funding for numerous programs and projects targeting decarbonization. She highlighted executive orders and agency rulemaking, including Justice40 and EPA actions. She also noted efforts in California, including carbon fuel standards, advanced clean cars, advanced clean trucks, and advanced clean fleets.
Meyer highlighted examples of EU policies and programs supporting decarbonization of the transportation sector, which were discussed in more detail in a separate session. He noted that the European Green Deal represented the main guiding policy framework that has been broadly agreed upon by the main EU institutions (i.e., the European Commission, Parliament, and Council). It is supported by the Fit for 55 legislative package, which includes specific programs to reduce GHG emissions in the European Union by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and put the European Union on course to achieve climate neutrality (net-zero) by 2050.
Other EU policies and programs highlighted by Meyer included alternative fuels infrastructure regulation, the smart and sustainable mobility strategy, and the urban mobility framework. Meyer also noted the strategic transport research and innovation agenda, the European partnerships, and the climate-neutral and smart cities mission. He described the category of Important Projects of Common European Interest, which combine collaborative research across the European Union with public investments by Member States into the highest level of technology readiness (i.e., first industrial deployment) to build and sustain European value chains for electric batteries, hydrogen, microelectronics, and other commodities Meyer also noted that the European Green Deal is similar to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.
Meyer described examples of collaborative approaches between the European Union and the United States, including the Electric Vehicles Initiative of the Clean Energy Ministries and the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency. Other examples cited in the white paper are the Collaboration of European Battery Alliance and the U.S. Li-Bridge Alliance. Furthermore, he noted the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council joint 2023 report on smart grid interoperability and electric mobility, which includes a number of gaps and recommendations.
In closing, Fleming and Meyer highlighted some of the key research questions included in the white paper. Examples focused on methods to accelerate the transition to electrification and alternative fuels, approaches to ensure a just transition to net-zero transportation, and ways to leverage digitalization, AI, and other integrated system-of-systems technology to decarbonize the transportation sector. Other examples focused on developing and implementing sustainable and resilient land use and transportation system design and identifying approaches for both programming- and policy-level collaboration.
PRESENTATION OF EXPLORATORY TOPICS
This section summarizes the presentations of the exploratory topic papers prepared by the symposium planning committee members. The papers were distributed to participants prior to the symposium. The four exploratory topics were presented in a general session. The symposium participants were assigned to breakout sessions addressing one of the topics. The breakout groups, which were facilitated by planning committee members, discussed challenges, opportunities, and potential research needs. The results of the breakout group discussions are presented in a separate section. There was no intent to rank or rate the research ideas discussed, nor was there any attempt
to prioritize the potential research topics. The discussion from each breakout session group was presented in a general session, and additional ideas and suggestions were provided by symposium participants.
Exploratory Topic 1: Accelerating the Transition to Electrification and Alternative Fuels
Chris Hendrickson and Gereon Meyer
Chris Hendrickson and Gereon Meyer reviewed the first exploratory topic area which focused on accelerating the transition to electrification and alternative fuels. They noted the complexity of accelerating the transition in all transportation modes. The topic paper also highlights similarities and differences in the approaches being taken in the European Union and the United States. The text of this exploratory topic paper is presented in Appendix B.
Meyer discussed some of the issues associated with achieving the goal of zero emissions from the transportation sector. He noted that all modes must be included in this discussion—from e-bikes and scooters to passenger vehicles, to trucks and buses. Consideration must also be given to the appropriate approaches for decarbonizing the maritime and aviation sectors.
Some of the issues highlighted by Meyer included the integration of renewable energy, improvements in vehicle efficiency, and alternative fuels for the maritime and aviation sectors. Other issues discussed related to battery technology, improvements in charging capabilities, and advancements in a wide range of technologies. Meyer outlined potential strategies and prospects in technology and innovation for discussion by the breakout group.
Examples of topics included selecting the most appropriate powertrain and energy source for each mode, optimizing operational efficiency to avoid rebound effects, and developing needed infrastructure for alternative fuels. Other topics included the best business models for public EV charging stations and accelerating innovation on batteries, fuel cells, and alternative fuels. Meyer also outlined examples of social, economic, and environmental considerations related to new and emerging technologies and opportunities. Examples of topics for discussion included how to foster public acceptance of new technologies, how to encourage the use of cleaner modes, and how to ensure a just transition to zero-emission modes. The exploratory topic paper also outlined potential challenges and barriers for further discussion in the breakout group, including education and workforce development, public outreach and communication, and opportunities for further EU and U.S. collaboration on all topics.
Exploratory Topic 2: Ensuring a Just Transition to Net-Zero Transport
Patricia Romero-Lankao and Karen Vancluysen
Patricia Romero-Lankao and Karen Vancluysen discussed the second exploratory topic focusing on ensuring a just transition to net-zero transportation. They noted that the paper describes the key terms and tenets associated with transportation equity, provides examples of policies and programs, and highlights case study examples in the United States and the European Union. The text of this exploratory topic paper is presented in Appendix C.
Romero-Lankao noted that the exploratory paper addressed elements to be considered to ensure that there is a just transition to net-zero transportation, with a focus on people rather than technology. The paper highlighted that socio-institutional innovations, along with technological innovations, will be needed in the transition to net-zero transportation. The paper discussed transport equity requirements for user-tailored mobility options and entirely different transportation ecosystems. Another element of a just transition addressed in the paper is that transportation decarbonization policies would be targeted equitably at the local, national, and international levels.
Vancluysen reviewed some of the overarching questions and issues outlined in the paper for discussion in the breakout group. The questions focused on ensuring that net-zero transportation policies and innovations target equity and justice, as well as ensuring that everyone benefits from decarbonization policies. Other questions focused on identifying opportunities and barriers for an equitable transition, creating benefits for all groups, and avoiding harm and unintended consequences, especially for underserved communities. The following issues were included in the paper for discussion in the breakout group:
- Identifying shortcomings in existing strategies, policies, and programs;
- Considering the role of public-sector oversight and funding;
- Exploring community engagement, barriers, and legacies of past practices;
- Identifying opportunities with technology innovations; and
- Examining land use planning, tailored transport options, and safety and security.
Exploratory Topic 3: Leveraging Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Integrated System-of-Systems Technologies to Decarbonize Transport
Margriet van Schijndel-de Nooij and Heng Wei
Margriet van Schijndel-de Nooij and Heng Wei discussed the third exploratory topic focused on leveraging digitalization, AI, and other integrated system-of-systems technologies to decarbonize transport. The text of this exploratory topic paper is presented in Appendix D.
van Schijndel-de Nooij noted that the paper reviewed some of the critical challenges and issues associated with decarbonizing the transportation system and the role that system-of-systems approaches, AI, and integrated technologies can play in addressing these concerns. Examples of challenges and issues cited in the paper include the aging transportation infrastructure, outdated roadway design, bridges in disrepair, and limited intermodal connectivity. Other challenges focus on the need for resiliency and sustainability, and the need for a paradigm shift in many communities.
van Schijndel-de Nooij noted that the paper explained the use of the system-of-systems approach and leveraging AI-empowered and data-driven techniques to provide insights for effective policies and sustainable practices. It also considered using digitalization to understand, monitor, assess, and mitigate the environmental impacts of transportation. The paper highlighted examples of EU and U.S. policies, programs, and projects addressing these topics.
Heng covered some of the topics included in the paper for discussion in the breakout group. These topics included the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, differences and similarities in the United States and the European Union related to barriers toward implementation, and the rate of digital tool development and regulations. Another topic focused on emerging AI and data-driven tools for use across transportation modes.
Exploratory Topic 4: Implementing Sustainable and Resilient Land Use and Transportation System Design
Tasman Crowe and Timothy Sexton
Tasman Crowe and Timothy Sexton reviewed the fourth exploratory topic addressing sustainable and resilient land use and transportation system design. They noted that the topic area focuses on the opportunity to rethink the built environment to reduce climate-related pollution and to promote the efficient use of resources. The paper also examined minimizing environmental impacts more broadly and promoting social and equity benefits of climate smart community design. The text of this exploratory topic paper is presented in Appendix E.
Crowe highlighted that the successful transition to zero-emission technologies would have to involve a more integrated approach to land use planning and the design of the surface transportation systems, as well as sustainable urban mobility planning. Other topics covered in the paper were regional-specific challenges and opportunities through smart land use and transportation system design to encourage mode shifts, including walking and bicycling.
Crowe and Sexton explained that the paper also examines climate-smart and -resilient infrastructure and using system approaches for future planning. The paper highlighted possible barriers to sustainable and resilient land use and transportation system design, including the lack of public understanding, insufficient funding, outdated land use planning and zoning requirements, and reluctance to adopt new strategies.
