Electric Power
Limiting global climate change will require widespread decarbonization of the power sector and electrification of the economy. RFF's research and policy engagement holistically evaluates market designs and federal, state, and local policies to facilitate a smooth transition to a decarbonized power sector that serves a broad range of sectors and energy needs.
Highlights
Topics
Carbon Capture and Storage
Modeling how carbon capture and storage technologies will affect emissions and the economy
Clean Air Act Regulations
Analyzing policy solutions for states to achieve compliance
Clean Energy Standards
Working with policymakers to provide economic analysis on potential legislation
Coal
Analyzing the role of coal in the global and domestic energy sectors
Electricity Markets
Exploring how these markets respond to uncertainties
Electrification
Exploring emissions reductions through electrification of the US economy
Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management
Examining policies to help close the existing energy efficiency gap
Engineering, Economic, and Environmental Electricity Simulation Tool (E4ST)
The E3 CGE model is a multi-period, economy-wide general equilibrium model of the United States with international trade.
Nuclear Energy
Examining the implications of advancing nuclear power technologies for the economy and environment
Renewable Energy
Evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy policies
RGGI
Analyzing programs in place through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
In Focus — Nov 30, 2023
In Focus: Carbon Markets and Carbon Dioxide Removal
This video shares insights about the risks of integrating carbon dioxide removal into carbon markets, with Massimo Tavoni, director of the RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment.
Common Resources — Nov 30, 2023
Examining the Compatibility of Carbon Markets with Carbon Dioxide Removal
The combination of carbon markets and carbon dioxide removal technologies that are financed by governments could exacerbate economic inequality. Proactive policymaking can help mitigate this risk.
On the Issues — Nov 22, 2023
On the Issues: Offshore Wind Boost, Holiday Air Travel, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: Offshore wind boost, holiday air travel, and more.
Working Paper — Nov 20, 2023
Daily Temperature and Sales of Energy-using Durables
This working paper from the European Institute on Economics and the Environment examines whether temperature and other weather variables affect sales of dryers and air conditioning units.
Issue Brief — Jan 24, 2019
Clean Energy Standards
Exploring the options available for policymakers to implement a CES at the state or federal level.
Working Paper — Nov 20, 2023
Daily Temperature and Sales of Energy-using Durables
This working paper from the European Institute on Economics and the Environment examines whether temperature and other weather variables affect sales of dryers and air conditioning units.
Working Paper — Nov 9, 2023
Leveraging the IRA to Achieve 80x30 in the US Electricity Sector
This working paper explores how a federal emissions cap could build on the emissions reductions promised by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Working Paper — Oct 20, 2023
The Persistence of Volumetric Pricing
This working paper paper analyzes the concept of fixed costs in electricity distribution, distribution cost recovery, and the persistence of volumetric pricing in regulated industries.
RFF Live — Jun 27, 2023
Policy Road Map to Accelerate Responsible BECCS Deployment
An event hosted by EFI Foundation and Resources for the Future reviewing the future of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage
Policy Leadership Series — Jun 20, 2023
Financing the Energy Transition: A Policy Leadership Series Event with Jigar Shah
A conversation with the Loan Programs Office Director at the US Department of Energy Jigar Shah on funding the clean energy transition, technological innovation, infrastructure, and more
Workshops — 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.
RFF Live — May 19, 2023
Unplugging Emissions: Exploring New EPA Rules on Climate and Health
An RFF Live event examining three recent proposed and final rules on power-sector emissions from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
In Focus — Nov 30, 2023
In Focus: Carbon Markets and Carbon Dioxide Removal
This video shares insights about the risks of integrating carbon dioxide removal into carbon markets, with Massimo Tavoni, director of the RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment.
Common Resources — Nov 30, 2023
Examining the Compatibility of Carbon Markets with Carbon Dioxide Removal
The combination of carbon markets and carbon dioxide removal technologies that are financed by governments could exacerbate economic inequality. Proactive policymaking can help mitigate this risk.
On the Issues — Nov 22, 2023
On the Issues: Offshore Wind Boost, Holiday Air Travel, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: Offshore wind boost, holiday air travel, and more.
Resources Radio — Nov 14, 2023
Not a Shore Thing: Challenges in US Offshore Wind Development, with Ben Storrow
Ben Storrow discusses the challenges for offshore wind project development in recent years, how policymakers can address these challenges, and the future of the offshore wind industry.
Press Release — Nov 9, 2023
Adding an Emissions Cap to the Inflation Reduction Act Could Create More Cost-Effective, Certain Emissions Reductions
New RFF modeling shows that a federal cap on power-sector emissions could carry the United States to its power-sector emissions goal, and that such a cap would be less expensive for emitters and households than it would have been otherwise.
Media Highlight — Nov 8, 2023
New York Times: “A Package of Bold Laws Puts Michigan on a Fast Track to Renewable Energy”
RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw comments on Michigan's groundbreaking new climate package.
Media Highlight — Aug 24, 2023
Axios: "The Case Against Imminent Peak Oil Demand"
An article that debates the timing of peak oil demand cites RFF's 2023 Global Energy Outlook.
Media Highlight — Aug 8, 2023
Harvard Environmental Insights Podcast: "The Electricity Sector and Climate Policy: A Discussion with Karen Palmer"
Senior Fellow Karen Palmer, who leads RFF's Electric Power Program, shares her thoughts on electricity regulation, climate policy, and more in this podcast episode.
