Nafisa Lohawala
Fellow
Nafisa Lohawala is a fellow at Resources for the Future. She earned a PhD in economics at the University of Michigan after receiving a BS-MS dual degree in economics with a minor in computer science and engineering (algorithms) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Lohawala’s research lies at the intersection of industrial organization, energy economics, and public finance. She focuses on the effect of government policies on environmental and safety externalities generated by the transportation sector, as well as other transportation issues, including decarbonization strategies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
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Resources Magazine Articles — May 15, 2025
Can States Take the Steering Wheel?
Federal policy for transportation will change with the new Trump administration—including policy that’s designed to support electric vehicles. State governments may now be in the driver’s seat to steer transportation policy toward decarbonization goals.
Webinar — Feb 13, 2025
After Implementation: Impacts and Effects of Federal Environmental Regulations
On February 13, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted a virtual discussion on retrospective analyses of the benefits and costs of specific environmental regulations.
Resources Radio — Nov 19, 2024
What Are Sustainable Aviation Fuels?, with Nafisa Lohawala
Nafisa Lohawala discusses sustainable aviation fuels, the types of sustainable aviation fuels available, and policies that support a wider adoption of these fuels.
Working Paper — Nov 19, 2024
Alternative Fuels for Reducing the Contribution of Aviation to Climate Change
In this working paper, the authors explore how the aviation industry can mitigate its climate change impact through the adoption of alternative fuels.
Working Paper — Nov 19, 2024
Alternative Fuels for Reducing the Contribution of Aviation to Climate Change
In this working paper, the authors explore how the aviation industry can mitigate its climate change impact through the adoption of alternative fuels.
Explainer — Apr 16, 2024
Sustainable Aviation 101
This explainer details key challenges to reducing aviation’s environmental impact and outlines potential technology and policy options for overcoming these challenges.
Report — Apr 16, 2024
Navigating Sustainable Skies: Challenges and Strategies for Greener Aviation
This report outlines challenges, strategies, and policy efforts for greener aviation, both in the United States and globally.
Journal Article — Aug 31, 2023
From Diesel to Electric: Overcoming Grid Integration Challenges in the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Sector
From Diesel to Electric: Overcoming Grid Integration Challenges in the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Sector
Webinar — Feb 13, 2025
After Implementation: Impacts and Effects of Federal Environmental Regulations
On February 13, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted a virtual discussion on retrospective analyses of the benefits and costs of specific environmental regulations.
Webinar — Oct 28, 2024
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Decisionmaking
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Decisionmaking
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.
Resources Magazine Articles — May 15, 2025
Can States Take the Steering Wheel?
Federal policy for transportation will change with the new Trump administration—including policy that’s designed to support electric vehicles. State governments may now be in the driver’s seat to steer transportation policy toward decarbonization goals.
Resources Radio — Nov 19, 2024
What Are Sustainable Aviation Fuels?, with Nafisa Lohawala
Nafisa Lohawala discusses sustainable aviation fuels, the types of sustainable aviation fuels available, and policies that support a wider adoption of these fuels.
Common Resources — Nov 19, 2024
Supporting Policies for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Key Areas for Further Research
Although policies that require the aviation sector to reduce emissions already are in place, the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is still in early stages. What research questions can help support the industry’s development?
Common Resources — Nov 14, 2024
Promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Considerations for Policymakers
Sustainable aviation fuels can help the aviation industry reduce the climate impacts of air travel. Effective policies must balance diverse climate, economic, and environmental considerations.
Media Highlight — Jul 14, 2023
New York Times: "We May Not Be Ready for an All-EV World"
A well-read opinion column about the role of hybrid vehicles in a decarbonizing transportation sector includes insights from RFF Fellow Nafisa Lohawala.
Press Release — May 3, 2023
How Do We Jump-Start Bus and Truck Electrification? A New Report Explores Options.
Pulling from interviews and existing research, a new report explores the major challenges of and potential policy solutions to medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification.
Press Release — Aug 25, 2022
Economist Nafisa Lohawala Joins Resources for the Future’s Research Team
Lohawala, who recently earned her PhD in economics from the University of Michigan, joined RFF this week as a fellow to study transportation-related issues.