Blackman specializes in the economics of the environment in developing countries. His research has focused on such topics as decentralization of environmental regulatory authority, pollution problems caused by small businesses, clean and climate-friendly technological change, market-based mechanisms for pollution control, pollution control programs based on public disclosure of environmental performance, and tropical deforestation. In connection with this work, he has conducted research in Latin America and Asia. Blackman also worked extensively on domestic regulatory reform. He has studied the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Project XL and the use of mortgage reforms to affect land use.