Renewable Policy Research Articles

A bi-level dispatch optimization of multi-microgrid considering green electricity consumption willingness under renewable portfolio standard policy

Under the policy of renewable portfolio standard (RPS), many microgrid (MG) users with high electricity consumption are installed with renewable energy (RE) generation devices to complete their RE consumption responsibility and reduce carbon emissions. In view of the conflict between the goals of microgrid operators (MGO) and MG users, it is a challenge to achieve economic optimization for both MGO and MG users at the same time when they participate in system dispatch and complete RE consumption responsibility. Therefore, this paper proposes a bi-level noncooperative dispatch strategy that takes into account user satisfaction and RE consumption willingness. In this bi-level model, the upper level is led by an MGO who decides electricity retail prices, while the lower level is followed by MG users who participate in demand response (DR) and change electricity purchase strategies. First, a novel comprehensive evaluation model is formulated to evaluate users' willingness to consume green electricity. Based on this, users' consumption behavior of green and thermal electricity is modeled independently not only in electricity trading but also in power dispatching. Second, optimization objectives are established with the goal of maximizing MG users' welfare, including user satisfaction improvement and energy purchase cost reduction, as well as maximizing the revenue of the MGO. Then, a Stackelberg game model is constructed, and a differential evolution algorithm nested CPLEX is used to solve the Stackelberg game problem of balancing the interests of both parties. Finally, our simulation analysis shows that under the dispatch strategy in this paper, load peak-valley difference is reduced. In addition, when the green electricity generated within the system is sufficient, based on a high level of users' willingness to consume green electricity, the total consumption of green electricity is increased by 29.5% and the overall welfare of users is increased by 0.75%.

Implications of the Implementation of a Carbon Tax on Investment and Economic Growth in Indonesia

Law Number 21 of 2021 concerning Harmonization of Tax Regulations is a form of renewal of various tax policies which has added a new tax object, namely carbon tax. However, the implementation of this regulation raises several problems, such as the increase in electricity prices that rely on Steam Powered Power Plants (PLTU), which can have an impact on companies' investment interest. Apart from that, the implementation of the carbon tax itself does not yet have a clear legal umbrella regarding setting emission limits, the percentage of emissions that can be traded and subject to carbon tax, and regulations related to the object and subject of the tax. The research analysis used is qualitative analysis, namely collecting data from various types of literature from which conclusions will then be obtained and become research results. The approach used is an empirical approach, namely looking at how the law operates in a society. Legal uncertainty surrounding carbon taxes and frequent policy changes can discourage investment. If companies feel uncertain about the future of carbon tax policy, this may influence investment decisions. So the Government needs to mitigate this, for example by considering compensation or incentive programs. Companies that invest in green technologies may be given tax incentives or financial assistance to mitigate the additional tax burden that may arise from a carbon tax

Predictors of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Ghana: the disclosure conundrum and its policy implications in resource limited settings

BackgroundGlobally, over 40 million lives have been claimed by HIV/AIDS. In Ghana, more than 350,000 people are living with HIV. Non-disclosure of HIV status is a major barrier to HIV/AIDS eradication; yet, little is known of the determinants of HIV status disclosure in resource limited settings in Africa like Ghana.ObjectiveDetermine the predictors of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and stimulate policy discourse on support systems for self-disclosure in Africa.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study among PLHIV (n = 181) in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the Volta region of Ghana. Bivariate probit regression was run to determine factors associated with HIV status disclosure among PLHIV.ResultsHIV status self-disclosure was reported by 50% of the respondents; nearly 65% disclosed their status to non-family members and non-partners. Significant correlates of HIV status disclosure either to partners or non-partners were marital status, monthly income, type of occupation, and being divorced due to HIV status (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHIV status disclosure remains low in Ghana like many African countries. There is the need for a renewed policy debate on tailored guidelines for HIV status self-disclosure and targeted support systems for PLHIV to ameliorate their predicaments and promote eradication of the epidemic in Africa.

Impact of carbon emission trading and renewable energy development policy on the sustainability of electricity market: A stackelberg game analysis

Optimizing the electricity structure and achieving sustainable development are critical objectives in the current electricity market. To facilitate a low-carbon transition, China is planning to implement renewable energy development policies based on carbon emissions trading (CET), which includes feed-in premiums (FIP), renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and their corresponding green certificate trading mechanisms. However, it remains to be seen how these policies will work together to promote the growth and adoption of renewable energy sources in China. Accordingly, this paper aims to establish a Stackelberg game model of the electricity market under the two types of combination policy scenarios of CET-FIP and CET-RPS and compare the influence of different combination policies on the development of the renewable energy industry. The results show that: (1) Compared with a single renewable energy development policy, CET-RPS and CET-FIP policies can effectively reduce carbon emissions. (2) In the long run, the CET-RPS policy has a stronger ability to reduce emissions, and the CET-FIP policy has stronger economic benefits. (3) In the early stage of renewable energy development, electricity generation, profit of power generation companies, and social welfare are higher under the CET-RPS policy, while in the mature stage of renewable energy development, these important performance indices become better under the CET-FIP policy. (4) Under the CET-RPS policy, an increase in carbon price will result in an increase in on-grid price and a decrease in green certificate price. In contrast, under the CET-FIP policy, an increase in carbon price will lead to an increase in on-grid price and premium subsidy.

Does the change in incentive policies promote renewable energy power generation in China?

ABSTRACT To reduce the financial burden brought by the feed-in tariff (FIT) policy, China is shifting its renewable energy support policy to the renewable portfolio standard with tradable green certificates (RPS/TGC). Moreover, the two policies are being implemented in parallel in the transitional period. In this context, this study investigates the game between renewable energy power plants (REPPs) regarding electricity outputs and tradable green certificate (TGC) prices under different renewable energy support policies practiced in China. We focus on analyzing the impact of policy changes on the competing REPPs’ decisions and the renewable electricity market with TGCs. The results show that implementing the RPS/TGC policy inhibits the development of renewable electricity unless the subscription of TGCs is promoted. Government subsidy arrears significantly affect electricity outputs and TGC subscriptions. The low subscription rate of TGCs is caused not by the subsidy-based TGC pricing mechanism but by government subsidies. This suggests that the government should implement the RPS/TGC policy, and demand-side power consumption responsibility weights should also be strengthened to promote TGC subscriptions.

The impact of differentiated feed-in tariffs on the resource misallocation of wind power: From the perspectives of the intensive and extensive margins

The widespread implementation of feed-in tariff (FIT) policies has played a crucial role in fostering the development of wind power, with their positive effects firmly established in numerous studies. However, the impact of regionally differentiated FIT policies on the misallocation of wind power resources remains a topic of contention, with limited research dedicated to this area. This paper aims to address this gap by examining the implications of such policies on the intensive and extensive margins of wind power installed capacity in China, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms driving resource misallocation. Empirical findings indicate that, concerning the intensive margin, the policy amplifies the concentration of wind power investments in regions characterized by abundant wind resources but low electricity demand. These regions present favorable conditions for large-scale wind farms with cost advantages, consequently exacerbating the misallocation of wind power resources. However, on the extensive margin, the policy promotes the likelihood of locating small and medium-sized wind farms in regions with poor wind resources but higher tariff rates, thus partially mitigating resource misallocation. In summary, China's policy hampers wind power investments in regions characterized by high electricity demand but limited wind resources. This suggests that the negative impact on the intensive margin outweighs the positive impact on the extensive margin. The findings of this study bear significant implications for the development of renewable energy support policies, particularly in countries grappling with substantial regional disparities in renewable energy resources.

Floating Photovoltaic Potential in the Rawa Biru Area of South Papua Province

National energy policy and renewable energy development policy towards 23% in 2025, the first target is to increase solar energy capacity as a priority where development includes rooftop solar power plants, large scale solar power plants, and floating solar power plants. The legal basis for the development of renewable energy is the policies of the central government and regional governments through regulations made. South Papua with the potential of Rawa Biru which is one of the sources of clean water in Merauke. Rawa Biru with a watershed area (DAS) of 4,791.671 km2 and an actual water body area of ​​95 ha. Simulation is done using Google Earth and Solargis software. Potential of floating PV in Rawa Biru with data maps, solar azimuth and PV configurations. Area of 95 ha floating PV potential 53,25 MWp, generating potential 79,93 GWh/year and area of 8 ha floating PV potential 2,14 MWp, generating potential 3,24 GWh/year.

Impact of energy poverty on public health: A non-linear study from an international perspective

Research on energy poverty and its impact has been quite extensive, but the impact of such poverty on public health is still lacking. This paper thus presents the relationship between energy poverty and public health of 185 countries from 2000 to 2020 as well as the role of urbanization development levels in this nexus. To achieve this goal, this study uses a partial linear function coefficient (PLFC) method to analyze the relationship between them, which can also clearly exhibit the non-linear impact of energy poverty on public health. First, both linear and non-linear regression results show that energy poverty has significantly negative impacts on public health. Second, urbanization level plays a significant moderating effect in the energy poverty and public health nexus, meaning that energy poverty affects public health under the influence of urbanization. According to the PLFC model results, countries that exceed the threshold of urbanization have significantly reduced the adverse effects of energy poverty on public health. Third, this study investigates the heterogeneous impact of energy poverty across different regions, comparing the Sub-Saharan Africa region with other areas. The results reveal in the Sub-Saharan Africa region that affordable energy under the influence of urbanization provides a new pathway for improving public health in that region, whereas this effect is considerably smaller in other regions. Additionally, a series of tests confirm the robustness of the results. This paper offers a reference for the development and implementation of renewable energy-related public health policies.

Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan

Managed bee species provide essential pollination services that contribute to food security worldwide. However, managed bees face a diverse array of threats and anticipating these, and potential opportunities to reduce risks, is essential for the sustainable management of pollination services. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe to identify emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, and this was shortlisted to 21 issues through the horizon scanning process. These ranged from local landscape-level management to geopolitical issues on a continental and global scale across seven broad themes—Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators & parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, and Political & trade influences. While we conducted this horizon scan within a European context, the opportunities and threats identified will likely be relevant to other regions. A renewed research and policy focus, especially on the highest-ranking issues, is required to maximise the value of these opportunities and mitigate threats to maintain sustainable and healthy managed bee pollinators within agricultural systems.

Pandemic‐era changes to medicaid enrollment and funding: Implications for future policy and research

AbstractThe COVID‐19 public health emergency led to federal legislation that changed the landscape of Medicaid coverage for low‐income people in the United States. Policy responses led to a surge in Medicaid caseloads due to new rules preventing Medicaid disenrollment, and total Medicaid enrollment increased more from 2020 to 2023 than the net increase in insurance coverage from 2013 to 2017 following the Affordable Care Act's implementation. It is crucial for scholars and practitioners to understand the implications of this continuous coverage policy and its 2023–2024 unwinding. This paper provides an overview of Medicaid enrollment, renewal, and funding policies, highlighting how policy changed during and immediately following the acute phase of the pandemic; describes enrollment increases and their composition; reviews relevant literature; and identifies key areas for research. By examining this unprecedented period in Medicaid, we can inform future policy decisions and optimize safety net programs to be effective under a broad set of circumstances.

La Crosse virus neuroinvasive disease: the kids are not alright.

La Crosse virus (LACV) is the most common cause of neuroinvasive mosquito-borne disease in children within the United States. Despite more than 50 years of recognized endemicity in the United States, the true burden of LACV disease is grossly underappreciated, and there remain severe knowledge gaps that inhibit public health interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality. Long-standing deficiencies in disease surveillance, clinical diagnostics and therapeutics, actionable entomologic and environmental risk indices, case response capacity, public awareness, and availability of community support groups clearly frame LACV disease as neglected. Here we synthesize salient prior research and contextualize our findings as an assessment of current gaps and opportunities to develop a framework to prevent, detect, and respond to LACV disease. The persistent burdens of LACV disease clearly require renewed public health attention, policy, and action.

Impact of urban renewal on urban heat island: Study of renewal processes and thermal effects

This study examines the impact of different types and processes of urban renewal on the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The research categorizes renewal projects based on changes in buildings, underlying surfaces, and functions. Using the Spearman correlation coefficient and LOWESS method, the study analyzes the relationships between cooling effects and impact factors. The results reveal that transforming industrial areas into commercial or residential zones and transitioning from compact mid-rise to open high-rise structures have significant cooling effects. However, the renewal implementation of the latter transformation can exacerbate the local UHI, suggesting the need for optimizing the timeline of such projects. Increasing vegetation cover plays a crucial role in mitigating the UHI, while higher floor area ratios and building volumes do not necessarily intensify the UHI. To improve the urban ecosystem, urban renewal planning should prioritize the creation of blue and green spaces, incorporation of natural infrastructure, and reduction of impervious surfaces. These findings have implications for urban renewal policies, selection of preferred renewal types, and insights into the renewal process.

Performance analysis of a solar-driven domestic refrigerator working with eco-friendly refrigerants in continuous power outage areas

ABSTRACT Environmental impacts of refrigerants and global renewable energy transition policies necessitated research on small-scale solar domestic refrigerators (SDRs) and their working fluids in order to address energy efficiency, flammability limits, and acceptable global warming potential. This study analyses the performance of an SDR operating with R290/R600a blend (CARE30), R1234yf, R1234yf/R134a blend (90:10), and CARE30/R1234yf/R134a blend (60:30:10) as R134a substitutes. In addition, a full year of daily meteorological data was analyzed to determine how solar intensity and air temperature affected performance metrics such as the solar co-efficient of performance (COP), PV array size, and compressor power for the selected refrigerants. The entire system was modeled using MATLAB, SAM-2022, and REFPROP-10.0 software. The experimental COP was used to validate the simulation. The seasonal ranges for the average solar COP and system COP were found to be 0.28 to 2.60 and 0.53 to 0.90, respectively. The PV energy generation and actual energy demand were 57.9–78.6 and 35.36–53.09 kWh/month, respectively, ensuring that the system can operate solely on solar energy. The weather data of the place, PV technologies, capacities of widely used SDRs, excess energy utilization, and economic parameters can be looked at for the successful implementation of the system.

Implication of Renewable Heat Policy on Reducing Carbon Emissions in China: A Dynamic CGE Simulation

In 2020, China pledged to achieve carbon emission peaking before 2030 and carbon emission neutrality before 2060. Renewable heat is a key solution for decarbonizing the heating sector, which is responsible for more than 40% of global CO2 emissions. Policy interventions are necessary for scaling up renewable heat deployment due to both economic and non-economic barriers faced, while the instrument selection should be taken into account carefully. Thus, a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was built to evaluate and compare the effects with different renewable heat policy shocks. The scenario analysis method is applied to compare two types of policies relative to baseline scenarios, subsidy, and energy tax. The findings indicate that: first, both subsidy and energy tax have positive effects on CO2 emission reductions while economic factors should also be accounted for. Secondly, the selection of subsidy and energy tax should seek a balance between economic factors and environmental factors as they may also affect economic growth or sectoral output to some degree. The energy tax rate should be moderate to avoid high economic impact. Thirdly, energy tax levying in the medium-long term has a beneficial impact on GHG emissions, while the instruments should be adopted with a careful rate chosen to avoid unnecessary tax burden on sectors that impede the orderly transition of relevant industries. Fourthly, it's reasonable to set a relatively high subsidy rate in the initial stage and gradually reduce the intensity of the renewable heating subsidy rate. For the energy tax rate, it is necessary to connect with the carbon trading market to set a relatively reasonable rate-setting mechanism to meet the dynamic needs of different stages.

The change of green space well-being during rapid urbanization: A case study in Jinan, China, 2006-2018.

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the green space well-being (GSWB) of developing countries faces drastic changes and is increasingly threatened. Green and residential spaces are the core elements of GSWB; however, we know very little about the interaction and combination of the two in terms of their effect on GSWB. This study identified the spatiotemporal features of GSWB and critically examined how patterns of residential-green combinations affect GSWB. Based on land-use data for Jinan from 2006 to 2018, and using the spatial measurement tool GeoDa, we found that both green and residential space have increased significantly in central Jinan. At the macro level, the spatial correlation between the two decreased significantly; meanwhile, at the micro level, there are obvious differences in time and geography. This led to differences in the distribution of GSWB between regions with high value and those with low value. We revealed that the development, preservation, and demolition of residential and green spaces influence changes in GSWB. The positive effects on GSWB come from (1) mountain park development policy in built-up areas, (2) theme park development policy in new urban areas, and (3) urban renewal and demolition policy. The negative effects on GSWB come from (1) issues remaining from prior extensive urban development, (2) the replacement of central areas driven by urban branding, and (3) the lack of supervision of nearby facilities for new housing development. To better understand changes in GSWB, it is necessary to consider its internal residential-green spatial collaboration and propose targeted response strategies. This can help to better safeguard the quality of human settlements in the process of urbanization in developing countries.

Renewable energy generation, agricultural value added and globalization in relation to environmental degradation in the five most populous countries in Asia

This study aims to examine the impact of globalization, renewable energy generation, and agricultural value addition on the ecological footprint (EF) and carbon emissions (CO2) of selected five most populous countries in Asia during the period 1975–2020. The Westerlund cointegration test supports long-term cointegration relationships among the considered variables in selected countries. The long-term elasticity results of the mean group, augmented mean group, and common correlated effects mean group estimators clearly show that agricultural value added and globalization make significant contributions to the ecological footprint and carbon emissions of the five most populous countries in Asia. However, renewable energy generation significantly reduces the ecological footprint and carbon emissions. Moreover, the impact of gross domestic product (GDP) on ecological footprint and carbon emissions is significantly positive while the impact of GDP2 on ecological footprint and carbon emissions is significantly negative, thus validating the inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for specific Asian densely populated countries. The results of the causality test indicated a two-way causality between renewable energy generation and ecological footprint, supporting the feedback hypothesis. There is also a two-way causal relationship between agricultural value added and ecological footprint. Overall, these empirical results show that renewable energy plays a prominent role in combating environmental pollution in selected densely populated Asian countries. Thus, these countries should achieve their sustainable development goals by cultivating existing renewable energy generation policies. Moreover, specific densely populated countries in Asia should encourage clean energy production and consumption in the agricultural sector, and increased investment in renewable energy can improve environmental quality and agricultural production.

Recent renewable energy policy changes in Ireland satisfy the requirements of a nascent wave energy technology development sector?

Regulatory frameworks for European countries are influenced by international and EU policies. These policies have a direct effect on the renewables sector with European countries as signatories to the Paris Agreement[1]and the European Green Deal[2].&#x0D; As a result of emissions targets being ratified into national statute books, governments have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% in 2030 and to net zero by 2050, and with recently heightened energy security concerns, renewable energy policies must adapt to keep pace. One country undergoing major changes is Ireland. This study examines the changes to renewables policy in Ireland in general and offshore renewables policy in particular, and whether they are sufficient to enable the country to forge what has the potential to become a vibrant wave energy technology development sector. This study will compare these policy changes with some of the successful wind energy policy measures implemented in Denmark and with examples set by other international institutions.&#x0D; This study will examine policy changes in Ireland since the ratification of the Climate Action Act 2021[3] and Marine Area Planning Act 2021[4]. The study will attempt to determine whether the new policies meet the requirements of Ireland’s nascent wave energy industry. It will look at areas of interest for wave energy technology developers, specifically: climate-related legislation, test facilities, consenting procedures, feed-in tariffs, environmental impact, public support, intellectual property protection and government financial support. This study will examine examples set by Wave Energy Scotland (WES) and EuropeWave; pre-commercial, government funded procurement models, and ask whether the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) which will be responsible for issuing foreshore licences in Ireland, is Ireland’s version of these institutions and how it is likely to differ. Questions will be raised about whether the focus on offshore wind by policy architects helps or hinders wave energy technology development and whether it is possible to balance public concerns with technology development through policy. Finally, it will look at Denmark’s wind energy development and examine which policies contributed most to its enduring success and whether these have been absorbed into new offshore renewables policies in Ireland.&#x0D; Conclusions will show that many policy requirements that had been formerly lacking have been addressed. It will be shown that the changes have largely come about due to the demand for offshore wind and that wave energy technology developers in Ireland will benefit and lose from this. Further analysis and the passage of time are required to determine whether the new policies are fully enforced by newly formed MARA but that Ireland needs to develop an institution that embraces the new policies.&#x0D; &#x0D; [1] The Paris Agreement | United Nations&#x0D; [2] European Green Deal | Think Tank | European Parliament (europa.eu)&#x0D; [3] Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 (irishstatutebook.ie)]&#x0D; [4] Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (irishstatutebook.ie)

Utilitarian heritage

While modern heritage is often discussed as a critical resource for sustainable urban and social development, the future of such housing is often limited not by technical but rather by cultural, historical, or socio-economic constraints. In cities with a socialist past, mass housing provided individual apartments for a number of Soviet families and tended to create particular spatial qualities. However, with the collapse of the socialist system, attitudes towards such housing began to transform. This paper is a reflection on the range of perceptions of this heritage, attitudes towards it, and difficulties in shaping contextually informed renewal policy approaches. To what extent do traumatic experiences of the past and the rational use of resources in the present mutually influence each other? This article introduces the controversial debate based on the cases of three former socialist countries: Moldova, Armenia, and Uzbekistan. On the one hand, the ubiquity of mass housing in post-socialist countries fostered tolerance for such a typology. On the other hand, large housing estates are a constant reminder of the traumatic experience of the socialist experiment. This essay discusses the present and the future of large residential estates based on reports, policies, media, and collected expert interviews on approaches to working with mass housing areas. Together, the three contributions and joint reflections attempt to add to the debate about the past, present, and future of middle-class mass housing in various social, cultural, and political conditions.

The impact of globalisation and education in promoting policies for renewables and energy efficiency

Policies targeting energy efficiency and renewable energy are sometimes viewed as more politically feasible than carbon pricing in pursuit of emission reduction goals. This paper assesses underlying drivers of energy policy development. These factors include economic, social, environmental, and institutional variables. The between estimator for panel data is an appropriate method for our focus on some exogenous variables that vary more across countries than over time. We find that larger oil reserves per capita have a negative relationship with renewable energy policy development. Education and political globalisation have strong positive relationships with both energy-efficiency and renewable-energy policy development. These results suggest that greater participation in global political groups can be an indirect approach toward energy policy development, in cases where direct and immediate policies are hard to implement. OECD countries have higher policy scores by 33 and 25 points in energy efficiency and renewable energy respectively. Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis shows that these higher scores are primarily due to social and political institution predictors rather than economics and physical endowments.

Changes in Socioeconomic Disparities for Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy Over a 20-Year Period in Texas

Air pollution presents clear environmental justice issues. However, few studies have specifically examined traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), a source driven by historically racist infrastructure policies, among pregnant individuals, a population susceptible to air pollution effects. How these disparities have changed over time is also unclear but has important policy implications. To examine changes in TRAP exposure by sociodemographic characteristics among recorded pregnancies over a 20-year period. This population-based birth cohort study used descriptive analysis among pregnant individuals in Texas from 1996 to 2016. All pregnant individuals with valid residential address, socioeconomic, and demographic data were included. Individual-level race and ethnicity, education, and maternal birthplace data were extracted from birth certificates and neighborhood-level household income and historical neighborhood disinvestment (ie, redlining) data were assessed via residential addresses. Data analysis occurred between June 2022 and June 2023. The main outcome, TRAP exposure at residential addresses, was assessed via traffic levels, represented by total and truck-specific vehicle miles traveled (VMT) within 500 m; nitrogen dioxide (no2) concentrations from a spatial-temporal land use regression model (ie, vehicle tailpipe emissions); and National Air Toxic Agency cancer risk index from on-road vehicle emissions. TRAP exposure differences were assessed by sociodemographic indicators over the 1996 to 2016 period. Among 7 043 598 pregnant people (mean [SD] maternal age, 26.8 [6.1] years) in Texas from 1996 to 2016, 48% identified as Hispanic or Latinx, 4% identified as non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander, 12% identified as non-Hispanic Black, and 36% identified as non-Hispanic White. There were differences in TRAP for pregnant people by all sociodemographic variables examined. The absolute level of these disparities decreased from 1996 to 2016, but the relative level of these disparities increased: for example, in 1996, non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals were exposed to a mean (SD) 15.3 (4.1) ppb of no2 vs 13.5 (4.4) ppb of no2 for non-Hispanic White pregnant individuals, compared with 2016 levels of 6.7 (2.4) ppb no2 for Black pregnant individuals and 5.2 (2.4) ppb of no2 for White pregnant individuals. Large absolute and relative differences in traffic levels were observed for all sociodemographic characteristics, increasing over time. For example, non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals were exposed to a mean (SD) of 22 836 (32 844) VMT within 500 m of their homes, compared with 12 478 (22 870) VMT within 500 m of the homes of non-Hispanic White pregnant individuals in 2016, a difference of 83%. This birth cohort study found that while levels of air pollution disparities decreased in absolute terms over the 20 years of the study, relative disparities persisted and large differences in traffic levels remained, requiring renewed policy attention.