资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

Carbon pricing aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by either imposing a fee or a cap on carbon dioxide emissions. When covering the transportation sector, carbon pricing usually applies to the combustion of transportation fuels; it raises fuel prices, discouraging vehicle travel and encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles (such as electric vehicles) and alternative modes of travel (such as public transit). This explainer details how carbon pricing can reduce emissions from the transportation sector by affecting fuel prices, miles traveled, vehicle ownership, and travel mode choice.

The explainer summarizes research about how much households typically respond to fuel prices. Overall, a carbon price at the level considered in recent US policy proposals would cause modest reductions in emissions.