In the researchers' current 2018-2019 project entitled “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Opportunities for Local Governments: A Quantification and Prioritization Framework” they develop greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation “supply curves” for strategies or actions that can be taken on transportation infrastructure assets and related operation and maintenance activities for local governments. The mitigation strategies are calculated on the basis of life cycle GHG accounting and they are situated in the “supply curve” based on their net life cycle cost. This framework will be applied to two case study cities using a small set of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategies. The current 2018-2019 project examines only two case study cities, and a limited number of GHG mitigation strategies, though potential co-benefits, like reductions in criteria air pollution are also tracked. The proposed research project (2019-2020) will build on the findings, stakeholder feedback, and model development completed in the 2018-2019 project with particular focus on developing additional strategies for a more complete supply curve as well as improved tracking and indicator development related to co-benefits and their implications for equity. The outcomes will help local governments analyze and rank different strategies or actions to reduce emissions and contextualize them with respect to equity issues.
