Hybrid and electric cars are sparing the environment. Critics say they’re hurting the roads.
The popularity of these fuel-efficient vehicles is being blamed for a drop in gasoline taxes that pay for local highway and bridge maintenance, with three states enacting rules to make up the losses with added fees on the cars and at least five others weighing similar legislation.
Five researchers at the School of Natural Resources and Environment received funding under a new University of Michigan program to promote interdisciplinary work. The funded projects are examining the challenges facing resource-constrained environments and sustainable transportation.
The Global Challenges for a Third Century (TCI) program, as the initiative is called, funded fewer than 15 percent of submitted proposals.
Mark Van Putten, a friend of SNRE with more than 30 years of experience in environmental policymaking and nonprofit organizational leadership at the international, national, regional, and local levels, delivered the Spring 2013 Commencement Address to graduating students Saturday, May 4.
Undergraduate degree: Business Administration, Boston College
Age: 32
Dual degree: MS/MBA (Erb)
Prior to SNRE: Peace Corps Honduras
Why Sustainable Systems?: I realize that communities will be using natural resources to earn a living. I want to ensure they do it sustainably so future generations can continue doing so.
The best part of SNRE so far: The people
“SNREdiest” thing he's done: Does carpool count?
Of the 160 projects announced since November 2012, 16 have at least one SNRE faculty member (19 total faculty). In addition to the Q-fever project, here are titles, project summaries and faculty role (with field of study) in the other 15 projects.