For decades, economists have emphasized the efficiency gains associated with market-based policies. Much was made last week about the flexibility of the EPA’s proposed new power plant regulations. According to … Continue Reading Unlocking Cost Savings with Cap-and-Trade
Saturday driving restrictions fail to improve air quality in Mexico City. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Today we travel south of the border for an update on Mexico City’s well-known driving … Continue Reading Driving Restrictions and Air Quality
The economic and environmental impact of closing California’s San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. (This post is co-authored by Catie Hausman). The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) was closed abruptly … Continue Reading Too Big to Fail?
Two economists make a bet on how much it costs to build a nuclear power plant. Back in November 2011, I made a bet with economist Geoff Rothwell about the … Continue Reading A Small Bet with Big Stakes
It’s all about the data. (This blog is co-authored by Howard Chong). Google’s acquisition of Nest Labs Inc. is puzzling. It’s nice that Nest is about reinventing previously “unloved things” … Continue Reading Why Would Google Pay $3.2 Billion for Nest?
Gasoline subsidies are inefficient because they lead people to drive too much and own low-MPG vehicles. Recently I have been spending a lot of time thinking about global fuel subsidies. … Continue Reading Global Gas Guzzlers
Paying people to reduce electricity usage is expensive because many beneficiaries are non-additional. A new EI@Haas Working Paper by Koichiro Ito offers a fresh look at California’s well-known 20/20 program. … Continue Reading 20/20 Vision