Transforming Transportation at the Intersection of Science and Policy
Photo by Dave Brenner, U-M SEAS.
Dr. Gretchen Goldman, Director of Climate Change Research and Technology at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), visited the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and its Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) to discuss the intersection of science, policy, climate action, and justice.
“We are in this truly unprecedented moment of opportunity on climate, clean energy, and environmental justice in terms of what can be done at the national stage”, said Dr. Goldman, who came to campus to share her career journey and opportunities for University researchers to get involved at the intersection of science and policy. Her previous roles include the White House Assistant Director for Environmental Science, Engineering, Policy, and Justice for the Biden-Harris Administration and the Research Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
More than 40 faculty, staff, and students attended the seminar, “From the White House to the Right of Way: Advancing Science, Climate Action, and Environmental Justice in Federal Policy,“ hosted by SEAS’ Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS).
Referencing her own career journey, Goldman discussed opportunities available to engage in government and policy issues from within the federal government and external entities. External experts can perform research, analysis, and advocacy to demonstrate the need for decision-makers to act on different policy issues.
In her current USDOT role, Dr. Goldman leads the Climate Change Research and Technology program, working with policy-makers to decrease transportation emissions and meet national targets. Through the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the USDOT joins with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Energy to decarbonize the transportation sector into a convenient, efficient, and clean system.
With regard to environmental justice, Goldman says, “No previous presidential administration has… worked to do more on environmental justice at the national stage.” She highlighted the recent landmark Justice 40 Initiative, that works to deliver at least 40% of climate and clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Dr. Goldman concluded with optimism towards the recent “game-changer” legislation successes that move us towards a brighter future and clean energy economy. She emphasized the need for experts to engage in policy in bigger ways, bridging the gap between technical experts and decision-makers to make the best decision in a given moment. After the public seminar, Dr. Goldman met with undergraduate and graduate SEAS and UM Ford School students for Q&A and networking.