It’s Climate Change, Stupid
Let’s get the electricity sector ready for a world with a very different climate. My phone has been ringing off the hook this week. Well, my phone does not have … Continue Reading It’s Climate Change, Stupid
Truckin’ California Style
Zero emission trucks will play a major role in California freight transport. While the Trump administration is busy dousing 50 years of environmental regulation with leaded gasoline, setting it on … Continue Reading Truckin’ California Style
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
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?
The Crazy History of Lead in Gasoline
A new paper estimates the massive damages from leaded gasoline (which is still around). In my free time I really like reading about the history of pollutants. While PM2.5 and … Continue Reading The Crazy History of Lead in Gasoline
No Nukes, Mo Problems.
A new paper reveals the financial and environmental costs of Germany’s nuclear power phaseout. I spent the first fifteen years of my life in Northern Bavaria, right next to the … Continue Reading No Nukes, Mo Problems.
Taking The Pedal Off The Metal
A new paper shows that people drive less and slow down when gasoline prices rise. I drive an electric vehicle. So I am, of course, better than you and now … Continue Reading Taking The Pedal Off The Metal
Using Energy Prices to Redistribute Income
A new paper helps us measure how “unequal” electricity rates are. If you go to a kid’s birthday party, it’s usually not the size of the birthday cake that matters … Continue Reading Using Energy Prices to Redistribute Income
The Economic Case For Greta Thunberg
A young “Climate Warrior” sails into New York with a powerful message. Christopher Columbus in 1492 found some evidence supporting the theory that the Earth is actually round. (Pythagoras “a … Continue Reading The Economic Case For Greta Thunberg
Outlawing Gas
Is Berkeley’s newest initiative paving the way for an all-electric future? I like economics. But I love cooking. I recall making jams using berries from the garden with my mom at … Continue Reading Outlawing Gas
Forgive and Forget?
Volkswagen’s new advertising campaign raises some questions. VW committed a crime. They lied about emissions testing for their Diesel powered vehicles and got caught. This affected about 500,000 cars in … Continue Reading Forgive and Forget?
A Tale Of Two Stations
Install more parking at commuter rail stations, not just solar panels. I love me a good solar panel. I have them on my house and on my calculator. And, I’m … Continue Reading A Tale Of Two Stations
High Wintertime Energy Prices Kill People
Policymakers have options to reduce price impacts and save lives. I left the place where bad weather was invented – Northern Bavaria – in my youth to migrate West. I … Continue Reading High Wintertime Energy Prices Kill People
_V_astly _M_ore _T_ravel
A new paper points out how consumers may respond to autonomous travel. A few months ago I was dreaming of a glorious autonomous electrified future. Yet sometimes science is the … Continue Reading _V_astly _M_ore _T_ravel
The EV Revolution Will Be Heavily Subsidized
What is the Demand for EVs – really? When I envision the future in the Age of Aquarius, it lacks sound. Panther-like EVs, powered by Zen-monastery-quiet solar PV, are zipping … Continue Reading The EV Revolution Will Be Heavily Subsidized
It’s Gettin’ Hot, So I’m Gonna Raise Prices!
New paper shows that electricity generators exercise significant market power when temperatures rise! Mr. Burns is a beloved character on the Simpsons. While most humans think of him as the … Continue Reading It’s Gettin’ Hot, So I’m Gonna Raise Prices!
