Molly Robertson
Senior Research Associate
Molly Robertson is a senior research associate at RFF working on topics related to the electric power sector, including grid decarbonization, electrification, and electricity market design. She has also contributed to RFF’s growing work on equitable community transition and environmental justice. She holds a master’s in public policy from the University of Michigan’s Ford School.
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Media Highlight — Mar 19, 2024
POLITICO: “Should NY Adopt Facility-Specific Emissions Caps? Groups’ Report Says Yes.”
A piece in POLITICO Pro and E&E News profiles a new report by researchers from RFF and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance about potential designs for New York State‘s new cap-trade-and-invest program.
Press Release — Mar 18, 2024
Adding Protections to a Cap-Trade-and-Invest Program in New York Could Make Disadvantaged Communities Better Off
In a new report, a research team finds that a cap-trade-and-invest policy that includes emissions caps for the residential, transportation, and electric power sectors, as well as specific caps for each power plant, can reduce emissions near disadvantaged
Report — Mar 18, 2024
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Cap-Trade-and-Invest
This report, produced in partnership with RFF and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, analyzes the emissions effects of different cap-trade-and-invest policy designs in New York State.
Common Resources — Nov 8, 2023
More than Transmission: Examining Four Solutions That Could Help the United States Build a Cleaner Grid
The US electricity transmission system is unprepared for the growth in new electricity that’s necessary to meet US climate goals. Four solutions could help prepare the grid for higher demand and complement the expansion of the transmission system.
Report — Mar 18, 2024
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Cap-Trade-and-Invest
This report, produced in partnership with RFF and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, analyzes the emissions effects of different cap-trade-and-invest policy designs in New York State.
Explainer — Sep 22, 2023
Transmission 102: Building New Transmission Lines
This explainer reviews the actors involved in transmission expansion and the barriers involved in constructing new lines.
Explainer — Sep 22, 2023
Transmission 101: Transmission Planning
This explainer discusses the nuts and bolts of transmission planning, relevant actors, and recent policy developments.
Report — Sep 21, 2023
Expanding the Possibilities: When and Where Can Grid-Enhancing Technologies, Distributed Energy Resources, and Microgrids Support the Grid of the Future?
This report discusses three categories of solutions that can bolster resilience, reliability, and affordability of electricity transmission: grid-enhancing technologies, distributed energy resources, and microgrids.
Common Resources — Nov 8, 2023
More than Transmission: Examining Four Solutions That Could Help the United States Build a Cleaner Grid
The US electricity transmission system is unprepared for the growth in new electricity that’s necessary to meet US climate goals. Four solutions could help prepare the grid for higher demand and complement the expansion of the transmission system.
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Climate Policy: Aiming for Cleaner Air in Disadvantaged Communities
Climate policy aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but another important outcome from decarbonization is improved air quality. New research asks the question: Will disadvantaged communities see benefits?
Resources Radio — Sep 19, 2023
Climate Policy and Environmental Justice in New York, with Victoria Sanders and Molly Robertson
Victoria Sanders and Molly Robertson discuss the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in New York State, options for implementing the law, and the different benefits that these options could provide among different communities.
Resources Magazine — Oct 19, 2022
Decarbonizing the Power Sector While Maintaining Reliability and Affordability
Resources for the Future will explore the opportunities and implications of total decarbonization of the power sector.
Media Highlight — Mar 19, 2024
POLITICO: “Should NY Adopt Facility-Specific Emissions Caps? Groups’ Report Says Yes.”
A piece in POLITICO Pro and E&E News profiles a new report by researchers from RFF and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance about potential designs for New York State‘s new cap-trade-and-invest program.
Press Release — Mar 18, 2024
Adding Protections to a Cap-Trade-and-Invest Program in New York Could Make Disadvantaged Communities Better Off
In a new report, a research team finds that a cap-trade-and-invest policy that includes emissions caps for the residential, transportation, and electric power sectors, as well as specific caps for each power plant, can reduce emissions near disadvantaged
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.
Media Highlight — Jan 31, 2023
Public News Service: "Proposed Bill Helps Schools Become Climate Friendly"
RFF Research Associate Molly Robertson weighed in on a proposed Virginia bill that would support school efforts to become more energy efficient.