Even though the South Dakota Department of Transportation insists that agriculture, tourism, health care, and the whole darned economy will collapse if we make too much of an effort to reduce carbon emissions, the DOT’s draft Carbon Reduction Strategy does propose six ways it can help mitigate the transportation-related activity that’s heating up the planet:
Embed Energy Efficiency into SDDOT Business Practices Reduce Highway Users’ Energy Consumption Promote Freight Efficiency Encourage Non-Motorized and Multi-Occupant Travel Reduce Energy Impact of Infrastructure Projects Improve SDDOT Internal Energy Efficiency
The first plank, making DOT operations more energy efficient, is an easy one to slip past Governor Noem’s ideological trip wires because using less energy has a “strong connection to cost containment.” No Republican administration should argue with saving money.
The second plank, reducing how much fuel we drivers use, will not involve any mandates. Instead, DOT proposes a variety of helpful hints and management practices:
Provide accurate road information to help travelers plan their trips and avoid disruptions and delays. Use software, cameras, message boards, variable speed limits on the interstate highways, and adaptive traffic signals in big towns to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely. Train first responders to clear accidents “as safely and quickly as possible” to “minimize delay, congestion, and energy consumption.” Hand out $29 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure grants from Uncle Sam to build electric vehicle charging stations. “Consider” the use of alternative fuels in DOT vehicles and public transit.
The third plank, promoting freight efficiency, calls for more technology and trains:
Promote truck platooning and multi-trailer trucks. Build more shuttle train facilities to put more truck trailers on more efficient trains (“intermodal freight transfer”). Use more electronic screening systems to allow more properly maintained and safe trucks to cruise past weigh stations. Study ways to let truckers know where parking is available so they don’t burn fuel hunting for spots to take their 10-hour rest breaks.
The fourth plank, encouraging non-motorized and multi-occupant travel, relies mostly on federal money to build trails, develop more transit options, and maybe build some