Five Arguments for Making Subways Free
Lowering subway fares would save energy and make cities greener. Subway ridership has fallen sharply around the world due to COVID-19. For most of the 170+ subway systems worldwide it … Continue Reading Five Arguments for Making Subways Free
Consuming Energy While Black
Black households’ energy expenditures are significantly higher than white households’. I immigrated to the United States from one of the whitest places on earth – Northern Bavaria, Germany. I have … Continue Reading Consuming Energy While Black
The High Cost of Low Carbon Prices
Industry and utility customers should chip in to support the carbon price floor. The Covid-19 crisis has led to all sorts of dramatic changes in lifestyles and economies. The energy … Continue Reading The High Cost of Low Carbon Prices
The Search for Good Green Stimulus
Lessons learned from our last go-round with energy efficiency stimulus spending. Last week it was reported that 1 in 4 American workers have filed for unemployment benefits during this pandemic. … Continue Reading The Search for Good Green Stimulus
Electricity Outages Lead to Substantial Backup Generator Purchases
Preliminary survey results from California suggest that long outages are leading people to buy backup generators, possibly instead of rooftop solar. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a very bright light … Continue Reading Electricity Outages Lead to Substantial Backup Generator Purchases
Petro Questions and (Some) Answers
These are unusual times in oil and gasoline markets, but not really mysterious. Everyone has a role to play in the pandemic. My primary role – as my younger friends … Continue Reading Petro Questions and (Some) Answers
Remdesivir, Low-Carbon Energy, and the Origins of Innovation
How do we foster innovation to solve COVID-19 and climate change? Ten days ago the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency approval for remdesivir. It’s too soon to know … Continue Reading Remdesivir, Low-Carbon Energy, and the Origins of Innovation
International Trade Policies Subsidize Pollution
Lower trade barriers on dirty industries effectively subsidize climate change. Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash In my new working paper and cool accompanying video released today, I assess how international … Continue Reading International Trade Policies Subsidize Pollution
Will We Still Be Riding on the Same Bus Post Corona?
There could be long run consequences for public transit ridership after this crisis is over. Currently, there are a large number of economists telling epidemiologists how to do their job … Continue Reading Will We Still Be Riding on the Same Bus Post Corona?
What Just Happened to the Mercury Rule?
Last week’s EPA decision adds insult to injury for our already vulnerable communities. Perhaps you missed it. There’s a lot going on right now. But amidst all the COVID-19 headlines … Continue Reading What Just Happened to the Mercury Rule?
Energizing the Electric Car Market After the Crisis
In the face of global uncertainty, policymakers should consider multiple scenarios for the future of electric vehicles. Climate policy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is tricky. Many people are struggling through … Continue Reading Energizing the Electric Car Market After the Crisis
The Policy and Politics of the COVID-19 Oil Market Crash
Two energy economists discuss supply, collusion, jobs, and the impact on gasoline prices. This week’s blog post is a podcast. Last Wednesday, I sat down (from a safe 2000 mile … Continue Reading The Policy and Politics of the COVID-19 Oil Market Crash
Can We Stop Paying Utility Bills for a Bit?
A utility bill moratorium could put extra money into the pockets of business owners and households during the pandemic. Utility services – like electricity, water and natural gas – are … Continue Reading Can We Stop Paying Utility Bills for a Bit?
COVID-19 and the Climate
Can we squeeze some long-run good out of this short-run disaster? The coronavirus has upended life in my household. I’m now toggling between teaching first-grade math and undergraduate economics, and … Continue Reading COVID-19 and the Climate
Oil Market Impacts of COVID-19
Economists can’t predict the future, but economics can help improve policy today. Oil markets aren’t the first thing that hardly anyone thinks about when reading updates on the novel coronavirus. … Continue Reading Oil Market Impacts of COVID-19
The High Cost of Nuclear Jobs
Backers see job creation, but I see high costs for ratepayers. “The project workforce has reached an all-time high with approximately 9,000 workers now on site. With more than 800 … Continue Reading The High Cost of Nuclear Jobs
