Joshua Linn
Senior Fellow
Josh Linn is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland and a senior fellow at RFF. His research centers on the effects of environmental policies and economic incentives for new technologies in the transportation, electricity, and industrial sectors. His transportation research assesses passenger vehicle taxation and fuel economy standards in the United States and Europe. He has examined the effects of Beijing’s vehicle ownership restrictions on travel behavior, labor supply, and fertility.
His work on the electricity sector has compared the effectiveness of cap and trade and alternative policy instruments in promoting new technology and reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and local air pollutants. Recent studies have compared the roles of natural gas prices and environmental regulation in explaining coal mine closures and the shift away from coal-fired generation in the United States. He has examined the implications of low-cost storage and renewables for reducing electricity sector emissions.
Linn’s research on the manufacturing sector has investigated the roles of energy prices in driving the adoption of energy-saving technology and the effects of carbon pricing on industrial competitiveness. He has published in leading general interest and field journals in environmental, energy, and health economics.
Prior to joining RFF in 2010, Linn was an assistant professor in the economics department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a research scientist at MIT. He was a senior economist at the Council of Economic Advisers from 2014–2015. He is serving on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee on light-duty fuel economy. He is a co-editor for the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management.
Education
- PhD in economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005
- BA in astronomy and physics, Yale University, 2000
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Common Resources — Apr 17, 2024
After the Pause: Understanding the Economic, Environmental, and Geopolitical Implications of Increased US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
As the Biden administration temporarily pauses approvals for building new export facilities that transport liquefied natural gas, we’ve assembled a primer on the national and global implications of the US increasing exports of this important fuel.
In Focus — Mar 19, 2024
In Focus: New Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards
This video shares insights about a new federal regulation for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, with RFF Senior Fellow Josh Linn.
Press Release — Sep 13, 2023
When Communities Shape Climate Policy, Disadvantaged New Yorkers See Better Air Quality Outcomes
A new report finds that New York’s most vulnerable communities benefit from greater air quality improvements under environmental justice stakeholders’ suite of recommendations.
Report — Sep 13, 2023
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Climate Policy: Cleaner Air for Disadvantaged Communities?
This report, produced in partnership with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, examines air quality improvements in two options for implementing New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Report — Sep 13, 2023
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Climate Policy: Cleaner Air for Disadvantaged Communities?
This report, produced in partnership with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, examines air quality improvements in two options for implementing New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Testimony and Public Comments — Jul 5, 2023
Comments to EPA on the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicles
To the Environmental Protection Agency on the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
Report — Jul 5, 2023
How Would the Proposed EPA Passenger Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards Affect New-Vehicle Consumers?
This report evaluates the benefits and costs of EPA's proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, as well as the distribution of benefits across new vehicle consumers.
Working Paper — Apr 13, 2023
Transportation Taxes and Energy Transitions: Alternative Policy Designs for Funding US Road Infrastructure and Pricing Externalities
In this working paper, the authors use an economic model of the US household vehicle market to estimate the effects of three alternative revenue policies for funding transportation infrastructure construction and maintenance.
Workshop — Jun 12, 2023
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandates Workshop: Research for Effective, Efficient, and Equitable Policy Implementation
An RFF workshop exploring zero-mission vehicle (ZEV) mandates and how they will change the transportation landscape in the United States.
Workshop — Mar 30, 2022
Looking Back: Using Retrospective Analysis to Improve Federal Environmental Regulation
A workshop featuring "ex post" analyses of the benefits and costs of federal environmental regulations
RFF Live — Jan 13, 2023
Plugging In: How Much Will Electric Vehicles Drive Decarbonization?
A conversation on the environmental benefits of plug-in electric vehicles and issues related to policies, markets, and the power sector
RFF Live — Oct 29, 2021
Driving Decarbonization: Examining Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels in US Reconciliation Efforts
Driving Decarbonization: Examining Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels in US Reconciliation Efforts
Common Resources — Apr 17, 2024
After the Pause: Understanding the Economic, Environmental, and Geopolitical Implications of Increased US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
As the Biden administration temporarily pauses approvals for building new export facilities that transport liquefied natural gas, we’ve assembled a primer on the national and global implications of the US increasing exports of this important fuel.
In Focus — Mar 19, 2024
In Focus: New Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards
This video shares insights about a new federal regulation for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, with RFF Senior Fellow Josh Linn.
Common Resources — Aug 21, 2023
What Have We Learned About the Inflation Reduction Act, One Year After the Law’s Passage?
On the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, researchers at Resources for the Future share insights on the progress and potential of the law’s climate provisions.
Common Resources — Jul 5, 2023
New Proposed Emissions Standards for Passenger Vehicles: Who Benefits the Most?
Modeling efforts described in a new report show that the lowest-income consumers of new vehicles would benefit the most from new emissions standards for passenger vehicles, which have been proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Press Release — Sep 13, 2023
When Communities Shape Climate Policy, Disadvantaged New Yorkers See Better Air Quality Outcomes
A new report finds that New York’s most vulnerable communities benefit from greater air quality improvements under environmental justice stakeholders’ suite of recommendations.
Press Release — Apr 13, 2023
Updated Tax Policies Could Secure Road Infrastructure Funding While Supporting the Energy Transition
Using the organization’s modeling capabilities, a team of researchers from Resources for the Future (RFF) analyzed several policy options that would maintain America’s roadways while supporting the transition to a cleaner transportation network.
Press Release — Jan 3, 2023
Environmental Benefits of Plug-In Vehicles Depend on Public Policy and Market Forces
A new paper by scholars at Resources for the Future shows how the climate and health benefits of plug-in electric vehicle adoption depend on public policies and market forces.
Media Highlight — Aug 22, 2022
CBS News: "Why California's Bold Electric-Vehicle Targets Are So Important for Drivers—And the Climate"
Senior Fellow Joshua Linn discusses how California's new plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles will affect costs for consumers.