The Past, Present and Future Role of Highways

Edward M. Emmett is a Fellow in Energy and Transportation at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.  Currently, his reaearch efforts are focused on freight mobility, building a resilient global supply chain and understanding the past, present and future role of highways.  Emmett’s background in transportation policy spans decades.  A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.  In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three years.

From 2007 until 2019, Emmett served as the elected County Judge of Harris County, Texas.  In that role he was the chief executive officer of the nation’s third largest county and was the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Emmett has received international recognition for his work in transportation and logistics policy. He was named Transportation Person of the Year by Transportation Clubs International and one of the Top 20 Logistics Professionals by Logistics Forum.

Currently, Emmett has several key roles in the development of transportation policy.  He chairs the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee and is on numerous transportation related advisory boards.

Emmett has received numerous awards and honors, including Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and the Presidential Call to Service Award.

Invited by Gene McFaddin