RFF: Making an Impact
Highlights of Recent Contributions to Informing Natural Resource and Environmental Policy
Fall 2015
Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides rigorous economic research and
objective policy analysis to help leaders make informed decisions about complex environmental challenges. RFF maintains a
reputation for research excellence and is recognized as a trusted source of relevant, thoughtful, and nonpartisan policy
recommendations.
RFF experts regularly help ensure that decisionmakers are asking the right questions about natural resource, energy, and
environmental policies. Specifically, they:
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testify before congressional committees,
brief members of Congress and the executive branch,
serve on advisory panels for key agencies,
publish their findings in targeted publications for policymakers, and
help industry leaders interpret the policy landscape and explore emerging issues.
This unique consultative process provides critical insights to both refine research at RFF and inform discussions with
policymakers. Throughout the years, the work of RFF experts has been applied to both specific environmental decisions and
wide-ranging policies, strengthening the economy as well as the environment.
Guiding Policy Development
RFF experts regularly brief staff of the White House, federal agencies, and Congress on emerging research findings and
convene thought leaders to discuss important policy questions. They also serve on a variety of advisory boards for
organizations including the National Science Foundation, the World Bank, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the
National Wildlife Refuge Association, and others. Below is a sample of recent interactions.
Engaging with Policy Leaders
RFF Fellow Marc Hafstead and Senior Fellow Ray Kopp released an issue brief on RFF’s analysis of the American
Opportunity Carbon Fee Act, which was introduced by Senators Whitehouse (D-RI) and Schatz (D-HI) in June 2015.
RFF Senior Fellow Carolyn Fischer gave a keynote address at the Third Annual Conference of the Italian Association of
Environmental and Resource Economists, speaking on addressing carbon leakage through border carbon adjustments.
RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw served on an expert panel, EPA's Clean Power Plan I: Status and Strategy, at the 15th
National Conference and Global Forum on Science, Policy, and the Environment. Other panelists included senior personnel
from the Georgetown Climate Center, Environmental Defense Fund, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the
National Association of Clean Air Agencies.
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Convening Experts and the Public
How Pricing Carbon Impacts Low-Income Households | September 22, 2015 At this RFF seminar, an expert panel discussed
how carbon pricing will increase prices for energy and goods that rely on fossil fuels, how climate policies may impact lowincome households more broadly, as well as policy options to protect those most vulnerable.
The Promise of the Clean Power Plan | August 11, 2015 RFF hosted a conversation with Gina McCarthy, administrator of
the US Environmental Protection Agency, on the promise of the Clean Power Plan—the nation’s first carbon reduction
standards for existing power plants.
Creative Conservation: How Humanity Innovates to Protect Nature | May 27, 2015 RFF hosted a panel discussion with
experts in geography, conservation science, and economics who considered the advantages and limits of innovation for
using and conserving natural resources. Ruth DeFries of Columbia University discussed key themes in her new book, The
Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Crisis.
How Do Environmental Policies Affect Jobs? | May 6, 2015 RFF researchers recently developed a new model to more
accurately study how environmental regulation affects employment and unemployment. This seminar featured presenters
and panelists to discuss the economic impacts of environmental policies.
Looking Ahead toward Paris: International Perspectives on National Commitments | April 21, 2015 RFF hosted a dialogue
in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and Mistra Indigo, where experts discussed the 2015 UN climate change
conference in Paris and how individual countries can take steps to mitigate climate change.
Selected Media Coverage
Because of RFF’s reputation of objective credibility, RFF experts are often asked to speak on topics of interest to
environmental organizations, research institutions, and policy associations, and are frequently quoted in major news
outlets.
NPR. “California Considers Sweeping Proposals to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” September 3, 2015. RFF Senior Fellow
Dallas Burtraw was asked about California’s proposed legislation to cut petroleum use by vehicles in half over the course of
the next 15 years. Burtraw said that the goals are ambitious but feasible and encouraged other states and DC to take notice.
Bloomberg Business. “Refiners’ Loss Roils Politics of Oil’s Push to End Export Ban.” September 3, 2015. RFF Visiting Fellow
Charles Mason, a professor of petroleum resources at the University of Wyoming, commented on US oil policies, explaining
that if the crude oil export ban were lifted, US oil refiners would lose a “discount” that they’ve been enjoying.
Chemistry World. “Obama's Clean Power Plan Stirs Controversy.” August 31, 2015. RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw
discussed the Obama administration’s new Clean Power Plan, explaining that the rule on limiting carbon emissions is
flexible while still imposing a uniform standard for power plants.
WAMU. “Bikeshare Program Indeed Reduces Traffic in Some Neighborhoods, Study Finds.” August 28, 2015. RFF Fellow
Casey Wichman discussed his research on DC’s Capital Bikeshare program. Wichman and his co-author, Timothy Hamilton
of the University of Richmond, found that the program reduced traffic congestion, with related environmental benefits.
National Geographic. “How US Climate Plan Can Follow China and Europe—Or Not.” August 14, 2015. RFF Research
Associate Clayton Munnings commented on China’s cap-and-trade system in relation to the carbon trading option under
the US Clean Power Plan, explaining that China still has some work to do to refine its trading program, which could help
inform US policymakers.
Bloomberg Politics. “Half a Billion Dollars Gets You a Gentler Climate Plan.” August 5, 2015. RFF Visiting Fellow Nathan
Richardson of the University of South Carolina School of Law discussed the constraints and accomplishments of the Clean
Power Plan.
National Journal. “Obama Climate Plan Revives Talk of a Carbon Tax.” August 3, 2015. RFF Center Fellow Anthony Paul
discussed market-based greenhouse gas trading systems, explaining that many more states could adopt carbon pricing
policies that would create large markets under the Clean Power Plan.
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