Public and Private Lands
Research at RFF on the way land is used and managed spans natural, rural, and urban settings, including analysis of innovative policies to limit urban sprawl, the cost and effectiveness of natural infrastructure, and the costs and benefits of recreational land use, among other topics.
Reforms to Oil and Gas Production on Federal Land
An examination of three proposed policies to reform the federal oil and gas leasing program: increased royalty rates, carbon adders, and a ban on new leases on federal lands.
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National Monuments and Economic Growth in the West
A groundbreaking study by RFF researchers, published in Science Advances, shows that national monuments have had mostly positive effects on local economies in the American West.
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- Resources Magazine
Resources Radio — May 4, 2021
Exploring the Energy Transition on Tribal Lands, with Pilar Thomas
Although tribes currently develop oil and gas, Pilar Thomas contends that boosting renewables could be key to reducing energy poverty on tribal lands.
Common Resources — Apr 29, 2021
Protecting Public Lands: RFF’s Policy Leadership Series with Sally Jewell
Sally Jewell reflects on her tenure as US Secretary of the Interior and offers guidance on key public lands issues that now confront President Biden.
Resources Radio — Apr 27, 2021
Problems Cropping Up? The Historical Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, with Ariel Ortiz-Bobea
Ariel Ortiz-Bobea looks to the past to assess the extent to which climate change threatens global agricultural productivity.
Explainer — Apr 14, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 107: Land Use, Forestry, and Agriculture
A review of the federal policy options for increasing land-related carbon storage and reducing emissions from agricultural land uses and production activities.
Testimony and Public Comments — Mar 25, 2021
Remarks for the US Department of the Interior on the Federal Oil and Gas Program
RFF Fellow Brian C. Prest shares his insights on the economics behind federal oil & gas leasing options during a public forum on the future of the federal leasing program.
Working Paper — Mar 15, 2021
Climate Royalty Surcharges
An examination of the use, determination, and implications of a surcharge on oil and gas production on federal lands to achieve emission reductions and climate goals.
Policy Leadership Series — Apr 7, 2021
Policy Leadership Series with Former US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell
A conversation with former US Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell on public lands and climate issues
RFF Live — Jul 29, 2020
The Future of America’s Public Lands and the Outdoor Recreation Economy
A discussion on the implications of the Great American Outdoors Act, with Senator Maria Cantwell and RFF Senior Fellow Margaret Walls.
RFF Live — Dec 17, 2019
Healthy Soils for a Healthier Planet
Highlighting the important role of soil health in finding climate solutions
Media Highlight — Apr 24, 2021
How to Reserve a Campsite, Even at the Last Minute
A story in the New York Times cites a 2018 study about the campsite reservation system in US national parks.
Media Highlight — Mar 26, 2021
Morning Energy: Oil and Gas Leasing Get the Floor
After Fellow Brian Prest's commentary during an Interior Department forum, POLITICO reports on his insights.
Media Highlight — Mar 24, 2021
Carbon Tax Could Ease Biden's Oil Troubles—Report
A story in E&E News discusses in depth a new NBER paper authored by RFF Fellow Brian Prest and University Fellow James Stock.
Resources Radio — May 4, 2021
Exploring the Energy Transition on Tribal Lands, with Pilar Thomas
Although tribes currently develop oil and gas, Pilar Thomas contends that boosting renewables could be key to reducing energy poverty on tribal lands.
Common Resources — Apr 29, 2021
Protecting Public Lands: RFF’s Policy Leadership Series with Sally Jewell
Sally Jewell reflects on her tenure as US Secretary of the Interior and offers guidance on key public lands issues that now confront President Biden.
Resources Radio — Apr 27, 2021
Problems Cropping Up? The Historical Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, with Ariel Ortiz-Bobea
Ariel Ortiz-Bobea looks to the past to assess the extent to which climate change threatens global agricultural productivity.