RFF Energy and Climate

Assessing the Role of Renewable Energy Policies in Landfill Gas to Energy Projects

Tropical and Extratropical Cyclone Damages under Climate Change

Federal Controls Target Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Managing shoreline retreat: a US perspective

Flexible Mandates for Investment in New Technology

Regulating Greenhouse Gases in the Electricity Sector under the Clean Air Act

Blue Carbon: Coastal Ecosystems, Their Carbon Storage, and Potential for Reducing Emissions

The Value of Information in a Risk Management Approach to Climate Change

Informing Climate Adaptation: A Review of the Economic Costs of Natural Disasters

Forest Carbon Offsets: Challenges in Measuring, Monitoring and Verifying

Reliability in the Electricity Industry under New Environmental Regulations

Renewable Electricity Policy, Intermittency, and Cost-Effectiveness

Fuel Prices and New Vehicle Fuel Economy?Comparing the United States and Western Europe

Model uncertainty in economic impacts of climate change: Bernoulli versus Lotka Volterra dynamics

Forest Carbon Economics: What We Know, What We Do Not, and Whether it Matters

Economic Ideas for a Complex Climate Policy Regime

Cost-effectiveness and Economic Incidence of a Clean Energy Standard

Regulating Greenhouse Gases from Coal Power Plants under the Clean Air Act

What the Experts Say about the Environmental Risks of Shale Gas Development

A new RFF report highlights a high degree of consensus among experts from government, industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations about the key risks associated with shale gas production and development.

Climate policy and fiscal constraints: Do tax interactions outweigh carbon leakage?

Comparing Policies to Combat Emissions Leakage: Border Tax Adjustments versus Rebates

Bridging the Energy Efficiency Gap: Policy Insights from Economic Theory and Empirical Evidence

The Past, Present, and Future of Carbon Markets

New research explores lessons learned to date from carbon markets around the world and presents new issues to be examined in the future, such as the linking of existing markets.

Costs and Carbon Dioxide

A sweltering planet?s agenda

Should We Tax People For Being Annoying?

Resources 2020 with Thomas C. Schelling

Video now available for "Geoengineering: Time for Some Gentle Experimentation" with Thomas C. Schelling, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.

How Do California's Fracking Regulations Compare to Other States'?

Designing Renewable Electricity Policies to Reduce Emissions

Carbon Markets: Past, Present, and Future

Modeling a Clean Energy Standard for Electricity: Policy Design Implications for Emissions, Supply, Prices, and Regions Energy Economics

Policies to Encourage Home Energy Efficiency Improvements: Comparing Loans, Subsidies, and Standards

The Coming US Carbon Market: Planning for Ex Post Analysis

RFF experts have developed several background memos on cap-and-trade and carbon tax systems to provide informative overviews and highlight current work, available data, and potential research limitations.

US envoy's cutting remark on C02 emissions fails to add up

Does Speculation Drive Oil Prices?

Resources magazine: Research on the forces behind the 2004?2008 dramatic spike in oil price challenges the common perception that excessive speculation in the futures market is to blame.

Protecting Coastal Environments to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Preventing the release of ?blue carbon? stored in mangroves, sea grasses, and salt marshes may be an effective way to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. A new RFF report details the possibilities.

Carbon tax could be part of eventual tax reform package

Bipartisan steps urged on climate change policy

Modeling the Electricity Sector: A Summary of Recent Analyses of New EPA Regulations

Have Questions About a Carbon Tax?

You can find answers at RFF's carbon tax FAQs, developed by the Center for Climate and Electricity Policy.

Viewpoints: State?s well-designed cap-and-trade plan will defy cynics

With ?fiscal cliff? looming, carbon tax getting closer look

The carbon tax

Fracking can hurt property values of nearby homes with wells, study suggests

Using gas to generate electricity will mitigate emissions

Putting the 'Sustainable' in Sustainable Energy Future

Should the federal government subsidize natural gas 18-wheelers?

Bloomberg endorses Obama over climate change. Does Obama deserve it?

Beyond CO2: The Other Agents of Influence

Resources magazine: Cutting emissions of soot and methane?two short-term contributors to climate change?would slow warming while improving human health and food security.

How would a Romney EPA shape shale's future?

US Status on Climate Change Mitigation

The United States is on course to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 16.3 percent from 2005 levels in 2020?despite a lack of comprehensive climate legislation. RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw and coauthor Matthew Woerman examine the factors contributing to this outcome.

Cap-and-Trade Failure Aided U.S. to Cut Carbon Emissions

Is U.S. climate policy better off without cap-and-trade?

U.S. May Come Close to 2020 Greenhouse Gas Emission Target

Carbon dioxide emissions are falling in the U.S.

Want a more substantive Obama-Romney debate on energy and climate? Read this.

Eco-certification in Developing Countries: Truth in Advertising?

Resources magazine: RFF Senior Fellow Allen Blackman documents the surprising lack of hard evidence that eco-certification benefits the environment and describes some of the first rigorous studies showing that it can.

US Status on Climate Change Mitigation

How Should Benefits and Costs Be Discounted in an Intergenerational Context?

Resources 2020 with Joseph E. Stiglitz

2001 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences Joseph E. Stiglitz delivered the first in a series of lectures celebrating RFF's 60th anniversary. Archived video of the event is now available.

Obama, Romney reps debate energy and climate policy

The other side of the fracking fight

China may soon stop handing out cheap solar panels for everyone

The Informational Role of Spot Prices and Inventories

Why Environmental Policy Rarely Follows Economic Advice

RFF?s Dallas Burtraw explains that economic approaches to environmental policy need to consider the complex interactions of federal, state, and local governance institutions to be fully effective.

Tax Evasion and Optimal Environmental Taxes

Why Do Oil Shocks Matter? The Role of Inter-Industry Linkages

The Choice of Discount Rate for Climate Change Policy Evaluation

US Energy Subsidies: Effects on Energy Markets and Carbon Dioxide Emissions

RFF researchers look at how federal energy-related spending programs and tax provisions impacted US emissions of carbon dioxide between 2005 and 2009, finding a change toward reductions in emissions over that time period.

Evaluating ?Cash-for-Clunkers: Program Effects on Auto Sales and the Environment

Ohio?s Gas-Fracking Boom Seen Aiding Obama in Swing State

The Institutional Blind Spot in Environmental Economics

Climate Policy and Fiscal Constraints: Do Tax Interactions Outweigh Carbon Leakage?

U.S. Energy Subsidies: Effects on Energy Markets and Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The Effect of Natural Gas Supply on Retail Electricity Prices

Cap-and-Trade Programs under Continual Compliance

The SO2 Allowance Trading System: The Ironic History of a Grand Policy Experiment

Using Vehicle Taxes to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rates of New Passenger Vehicles: Evidence from France, Germany, and Sweden

Blue Carbon: A Potentially Winning Climate Strategy

Protecting coastal mangrove forests may be a highly competitive, cost-effective approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent study by experts from RFF and the University of California, Davis.

Restoring Mangroves May Prove Cheap Way to Cool Climate

Shale Gas Development and the Costs of Groundwater Contamination Risk

Climate Change Regulatory Authority beyond the Clean Air Act

Renewable Energy and Efficiency Modeling Analysis Partnership (REMAP): An Analysis of How Different Energy Models Addressed a Common High Renewable Energy Penetration Scenario in 2025

Cap-and-Trade Programs under Delayed Compliance: Consequences of Interim Injection of Permits

The Heterogeneous Effects of Gasoline Taxes: Why Where We Live Matters

Aviation, Carbon, and the Clean Air Act

Climate Policy Design with Correlated Uncertainties in Offset Supply and Abatement Cost

How states are regulating fracking (in maps)

Comments on EPA?s Proposed Carbon Pollution Standard for New Power Plants

The True Cost of Electric Power

In a new RFF report, Senior Fellows Dallas Burtraw and Alan Krupnick take a close look at the options for fully measuring the cost of electric power, including costs to society from pollution and the associated health and environmental impacts.

RFF Releases Review of Shale Gas Regulations by State

A team of RFF experts examined regulations and surveyed regulators in 31 states with current or near-future shale gas development. More than 20 types of regulation are presented in a series of maps, showing regulatory patterns nationwide.

Global economic potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from mangrove loss

Climate Change & Developing Countries Considerations for Rio+20

Resources magazine: Can an international solution to climate change respect the economic aspirations of developing countries? RFF University Fellow Thomas Sterner argues that it must.

Electricity from Renewable Resources: Status, Prospects, and Impediments

The Variability of Potential Revenue from a Carbon Tax

Implementing a carbon tax in the United States could help reduce the large and growing federal budget deficit as well as emissions of carbon dioxide. A new issue brief from RFF experts helps explain what policymakers could expect in terms of revenue.

Unnatural Disasters?

Resources: Sheila Olmstead and Carolyn Kousky explain why Mother Nature isn?t the sole cause of 2011?s billion-dollar string of disasters.

Invasive Species: Impacts, Challenges, and Strategies for Management

At a recent First Wednesday Seminar, a panel of experts convened to discuss the complex ecological, economic, and policy implications of invasive species. Event video and presentations are now available.

How Carbon Neutral is Bioenergy?

At a recent RFF seminar, Senior Fellow and Center for Forest Economics and Policy Director Roger Sedjo discussed the issue of emissions from wood energy. Video and slides from the event are now available.

Rethinking Environmental Federalism in a Warming World

In a new discussion paper, William Shobe and RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw highlight the importance of accounting for the federal relationship between national and subnational levels of government.

Dissecting Obama?s Energy Proposals

Can Durban Talks Succeed?

Managing the Risks of Shale Gas: Identifying a Pathway toward Responsible Development

Experts discussed technical processes, policies, and more at the launch of the Center for Energy Economics and Policy?s initiative to identify how government and industry can responsibly develop shale gas. Event video, audio, and presentations are now available.

Assessing the Energy Efficiency Information Gap

New research from RFF scholars highlights the role information plays in the adoption of energy efficiency technologies.

Investing in Information to Respond to a Changing Climate

Resources Magazine: The quantity and quality of information about climate change will play a critical role in determining the effectiveness of public and private responses. However, as RFF?s Molly Macauley explains, collecting that data comes at a cost.

Energy Efficiency Policy: Surveying the Puzzles

Energy efficiency policies are favored by many to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and reduce consumer costs. In a new RFF Discussion Paper, Senior Fellow Tim Brennan examines presumptions about such policies, noting that they often don?t hold true and are easily complicated.

Understanding Important Elements of a Clean Energy Standard

Policy design, electricity price implications, and regional impacts were among the topics discussed at a recent RFF/EPA workshop on clean energy standards. Event summary and presentations are now available.

Flip switch on electric co-op?

Federal Committee: Shale Gas Needs More Openness, Better Data

Parsing the Flexibility of EPA?s Greenhouse Gas Rules

Clean Air Act experts recently gathered at RFF to discuss the way forward for EPA in regulating greenhouse gases. Key insights are now available online.

No new climate law means clean coal is on the back burner

An Opportunity for Smart Regulation on Climate

EPA has the option to use flexible compliance mechanisms that could reduce the cost of greenhouse gas regulation by over two-thirds, according to a pair of analyses released by RFF.

U.S. Policy Options for Reducing Tropical Deforestation: What Can be Done?

In a new Discussion Paper, RFF scholars propose a ?whole-of-government? approach for slowing and reversing tropical forest loss to engage the full suite of policy levers in the federal government.

Market Responses and the Effectiveness of Energy Policies

On June 21 and 22, Resources for the Future hosted the second annual joint Energy Policy Symposium with the University of Chicago. Presentations from the event are now available online.

Renewable Energy in Antarctica and the Power of Being Bold

On June 15, RFF hosted polar explorer and environmental leader Robert Swan (OBE) at a Policy Leadership Forum, where he spoke on energy resources and strategies for sustainable global economic growth.

Shale Gas and Groundwater Contamination: Thoughts on a Recent Study

A recent article by Duke University researchers on methane contamination in drinking water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York has brought further attention to the risks to groundwater in areas exploited for shale gas.

Coordinating Global Economic Development Strategies to Combat Climate Change

A new RFF Discussion Paper says that the creation of a semiformal international coordinating entity could enrich country-specific low emissions development activities by building knowledge and capacity as well as enhancing the scale and predictability of funds.

Natural Resource Scarcity and the Fear of ?Resource Wars?

As Congress continues to debate the causes and effects of higher oil prices, RFF Senior Fellow Joel Darmstadter reviews lessons learned about how the perceived scarcity of natural resources?for example, oil, copper, and rare earths?may cloud some countries? hope for a robust economic future.

Congressional Perspectives on Tropical Forest Conservation

A new Issue Brief by researchers from RFF and Climate Advisers details the results of a February 2011 survey of key congressional staff, examining attitudes and perspectives about tropical forest conservation.

Will Natural Gas Vehicles Be in Our Future?

A new RFF Issue Brief explains that heavy-duty trucks running on liquefied natural gas can reduce oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions with reasonably competitive cost-effectiveness.

U.S. Policy Options for Adapting to Climate Change: Event Video Now Available

At the June First Wednesday seminar, RFF experts presented results from a major study detailing how the federal government can effectively address climate impacts.

Californian CO2 Market Delay Seen Up to 12 Months

Major Report On U.S. Climate Change Adaptation

The United States is ill-prepared to manage the impacts of climate change, says a new RFF study. The report provides concrete steps the federal government can take to improve the institutions, incentives, and information needed to respond to climate impacts.

America?s Nuclear Future: Q&A with RFF President Phil Sharp

RFF President Phil Sharp discusses how recent events in Japan might affect the development of nuclear energy in the United States.

Natural Gas Is Not a "Bridge" to a Clean Energy Future

Nuclear Nations Turn to Natural Gas and Renewables

Programs for Electricity Energy Efficiency: Are They Cost-Effective?

An updated study by RFF researchers takes a closer look at the cost-effectiveness of programs designed to reduce consumer electricity consumption.

New Containment Technologies Jump-Start Offshore Drilling but Fail to Quell Oil Spill Concerns

Oil Forever

RFF Analyzes CES in Response to Senate White Paper Questions

RFF experts submitted key findings from their research and modeling in response to Senate questions on a Clean Energy Standard (CES).

Natural Gas Greenhouse Emissions Study Draws Fire

Industry Challenges Study that Natural Gas 'Fracking' Adds Excessively to Greenhouse Effect

Obama Backing Key to Nuclear Power

The Climate Has Changed?So Must Policy

A new RFF Issue Brief explores how a successful global climate policy must recognize the economic and political forces shaping each individual nation.

Deepwater Drilling: Event Slides, Audio and Video Now Available

At a recent RFF First Wednesday event, experts discussed the recommendations resulting from RFF?s research on the risks of deepwater drilling.

Raising Oil Spill Liability Limits is Hot Topic at House Hearing

Republicans Weigh a Federal ?Reverse Auction? to Push Clean Energy

Coal Quandary as State Plans to Send Dirty Fuel Overseas

An Economic Case for a Carbon Tax Policy

Taking a step back and looking broadly at climate policy, a new RFF Discussion Paper reevaluates the three main options for moving climate legislation forward: cap-and-trade, a carbon tax, and regulatory alternatives.

$4.55 Per Gallon

Water Conflicts and Resolution: Event Slides and Streaming Video Now Available

At a recent RFF First Wednesday event, researchers and policymakers discussed how reforms to water management could benefit both the economy and the environment.

Greenhouse Gas Regulation under the Clean Air Act: A Guide for Economists

In a new Discussion Paper, RFF researchers explore the regulatory tools and options provided by the Clean Air Act for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the potential legislative challenges and economic opportunities.

Climate Strife and Political Life

Tracking Trees and Change

Reducing deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) ? a critical step toward halting climate change ? requires multiple tools to track changes in the forest, the land, and the global marketplace. Panelists at a recent RFF seminar highlighted innovative forest carbon supply tools that are now available and defined the role for such tools in the international REDD process.

U.S. Pushes, but Reactors Are Lagging

The Porter Hypothesis, 20 Years Later

In a seminal article written 20 years ago, Michael Porter put forth his hypothesis, that environmental regulations can encourage innovation, increase efficiency, and enhance business performance. At a recent speech at RFF, Porter reasserted his belief that companies can incorporate innovative approaches to improve their environmental footprint while creating shared value and increasing their competitiveness.

New RFF Studies Released on Oil Spill Investigation

In a special series, RFF examines a variety of issues related to the aftermath of the BP oil spill, ranging from risk assessment to safety procedures, and from costs to containment. Seven papers, prepared for the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, are now available here.

The Future of Fresh Water

Satellite neglect means a dimmer view of Earth

The Clean Air Act has been cheaper and more effective than industry predicts, again and again