Keynote Speaker:
James Howard Kunstler

The blunt, shocking, misanthropic, borderline profane, yet utterly credible Kunstler regaled us with The Long Emergency, a synopsis of his own book of the same title. This treatise debunks the common myths about oil in our time, reveals how U.S. oil extraction history uncannily mirrors Hubbert’s Peak, warns of the dangers of climate change, and blasts the oft-cited, rose-colored notion of a coming “hydrogen economy.” He also illustrates for us in stark (and darkly humorous) terms the diminishing returns of technological innovation in the energy fields, plus what we should be doing to counteract the coming energy crisis…

Area 1: New Energy Policies for Sustainable Transportation

Without question, transportation in the US is heavily dependent on an abundant and cheap energy source to support our economy and existing lifestyle. As we look to the future, we face a situation in which the traditional energy supply will be scarce, expensive, and at times even unavailable. Moreover, all carbon based energy sources have come under scrutiny regarding their long term impacts on the environment. To confront these issues we will need alternative sources of energy, revised public policy; and strong leadership at the national and local levels.

Area 2: New Technologies for Transportation Mobility and Energy Conservation

This theme focuses on current and emerging technologies—e.g., electric cars, hydrogen fuel, ITS applications— that are available to conserve oil or shift Americans away from oil dependence.   Paper topics could include the development of new technologies for automobiles, techniques for more efficient movement of freight, the substitution of virtual presence for physical presence in the workplace, and other innovative approaches for sustainability. 

Area 3: Changing Attitudes to Reduce Energy Use and Automobile Dependence

A shift to a more sustainable transportation system will require a number of changes in the peoples’ attitudes about transportation and how it affects their transportation-related behaviors and day-to-day life. To move to sustainability we will likely need to consider new travel, housing and work patterns. Even some of our fundamental assumptions about the economy may have to be reconsidered. Papers responding to this theme should offer techniques, incentive structures, and innovations designed to increase public acceptance of alternative modes of travel, reduced travel, new energy sources, and policies for energy conservation, as well as other changes that would be beneficial.