Principles for Public Policy

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) argues that the impact of self-driving vehicles depends on policy guidance. To prevent increased vehicle miles traveled and emissions, the UCS recommends pairing autonomous technology with low-carbon vehicles, integrating them with mass transit, and incentivizing shared rides. The brief also emphasizes the need for equitable access, a 'just transition' for displaced workers in trucking and taxi industries, and open data-sharing to inform science-based policy.

• Self-driving vehicles could increase vehicle miles traveled and global warming emissions, worsen congestion, and exacerbate air pollution if not guided by well-crafted policy.
• To reduce transportation-related emissions, policy should ensure self-driving technology is paired with low-carbon vehicles, such as plug-in electrics and fuel-efficient hybrids, and provide incentives for ride-hailing services to maximize shared passengers.
• The adoption of autonomous technology may reduce employment opportunities in the taxi, delivery, and trucking industries, necessitating policies that support career transitions for displaced workers.
• Effective policy should integrate self-driving vehicles with high-capacity mass transit systems, such as subways and bus rapid-transit, to alleviate urban congestion and improve air quality.
• Science-based policy requires a robust research agenda and a framework for open data-sharing regarding vehicle performance and operation, as private companies cannot be relied upon to provide this data voluntarily.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2017). Principles for Public Policy. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2017/02/Maximizing-Benefits-Self-Driving-Vehicles.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Principles for Public Policy. 2017. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2017/02/Maximizing-Benefits-Self-Driving-Vehicles.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Principles for Public Policy |date=February 2017 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2017/02/Maximizing-Benefits-Self-Driving-Vehicles.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2017principles, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Principles for Public Policy}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2017}, month = feb, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2017/02/Maximizing-Benefits-Self-Driving-Vehicles.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }