October 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“50 by 50” Commission Includes Leaders from Across Private and Public Sectors
NEW YORK, NY— The Copper Development Association (CDA) will serve on a national commission launched today by the Alliance to Save Energy that will develop recommendations to reduce energy use in the U.S. transportation sector by 50 percent by 2050 while meeting future mobility needs.
The Alliance Commission on U.S. Transportation Sector Efficiency (Commission) is comprised of leaders representing vehicle manufacturers, utilities, federal agencies, cities, environmental and consumer groups, infrastructure providers and public transit. The Commission is convened by the Alliance to Save Energy, the leading national coalition advocating for enhancing energy productivity – doing more with less energy.
“CDA is proud to be part of a national delegation that is committed to improving our public transportation through the advancement of clean vehicle technologies which enable us to reduce our need for fossil fuels,” said Thomas Passek, president of CDA, who will serve as a commission member. “As electric vehicles and charging stations become more widespread and affordable, copper will play a critical role in powering this technology and meeting our goals by 2050.”
Transportation represents roughly one-third of U.S. energy consumption. The sector is undergoing a transformational change – ranging from the increased viability of alternative fuels such as electrification to advanced vehicle technologies, automation and shared mobility – offering enormous opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Improvements in efficiency will create jobs, improve energy security, boost competitiveness, save businesses and consumers money, and reduce emissions.
Copper is widely used in the electric motors, batteries, inverters, wiring and charging stations of EVs due to its reliability, energy efficiency and superior electrical conductivity. Copper itself is also a remarkably sustainable material because it is 100 percent recyclable.
The Commission will work through six Technical Committees (Light-Duty Vehicles; Non-Road Vehicles; Heavy-Duty and Freight Vehicles; Enabling Infrastructure; Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Shared Mobility and Automation; and Outreach and Implementation) to develop the regulatory, policy and investment pathways to achieve the “50x50” goal. Following an outside peer-review process, the Commission will publish a final report, and engage local, state, and national officials, key stakeholder groups and the public to act on the recommendations.
Kateri Callahan, President, Alliance to Save Energy, said: “Transportation in the United States is changing rapidly and it presents an enormous opportunity to improve mobility while at the same time saving energy. We’re bringing together experts from across this sector because we need a comprehensive approach to maximize the energy efficiency gains. The response to our invitations has been overwhelming and we’re eager to see this group put their heads together.”
More information about the Commission, including the full list of commissioners, is available at: www.50x50transportation.org.
Follow us on Twitter at @copperenergy.
###