Greenhouse gas reduction to be studied

HENRIETTA, N.Y., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say tougher environmental policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions will affect more than the production of cars or light trucks. The scientists say changes throughout the automotive industry will also affect consumer behavior and the environment in uncertain ways. In an effort to predict the ripple effect of environmental policies, Rochester Institute of Technology researcher James Winebrake and University of Michigan scientist Steven Skerlos have won a $2 million National Science Foundation grant to create a computer-based program for policymakers and analysts to evaluate the impact of future scenarios. The 5-year study will involve building and linking computer models to understand the consumer and industry response to policy decisions and how the state of the market impacts the environment. The researchers say they expect the software program will enable analysts to predict the complicated market dynamic between consumers and producers by constructing scenarios. The interdisciplinary study will draw upon economics, environmental science, manufacturing issues, public policy and software engineering using advanced computer modeling techniques. The team will also include researchers from Northeastern University and the University of California-Berkeley.  » original news