Water Allocation
Current institutional frameworks often do not allocate water to its highest value uses. Research at RFF informs the design of policies to allocate water for agricultural, industrial, residential, and ecosystem uses.
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Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
Navigating the Waters of the United States
A recent report finds that the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule revises crucial distinctions that define protected waters, reducing safeguards for US waters based on flawed methods and unsubstantiated assumptions.
Issue Brief — Dec 17, 2020
Funding Dam Removals Through Section 404 and Natural Resource Damage Regulatory Compliance
In the fourth and final issue brief in a series on funding sources for dam removals, this paper discusses funding from entities looking to meet regulatory obligations.
Press Release — Dec 17, 2020
Finding the Funding to Tackle America’s Aging Dam Problem
New research by RFF scholars finds that federal, state, and local options exist to restore waterways and improve public safety.
Issue Brief — Dec 17, 2020
Funding Dam Removals Through Section 404 and Natural Resource Damage Regulatory Compliance
In the fourth and final issue brief in a series on funding sources for dam removals, this paper discusses funding from entities looking to meet regulatory obligations.
Issue Brief — Dec 10, 2020
State and Local Funding for Dam Removal in the United States
The third installment in a four-part series about funding sources to remove aging dams, this issue brief discusses specific policies and programs on the state and local level that may aid dam removal efforts.
Issue Brief — Dec 7, 2020
Federal Funding for Dam Removal in the United States
The second installment in a series about funding sources for dam removal, this issue brief discusses the role federal agencies and programs may play in dam removal projects.
Press Release — Dec 17, 2020
Finding the Funding to Tackle America’s Aging Dam Problem
New research by RFF scholars finds that federal, state, and local options exist to restore waterways and improve public safety.
Press Release — Dec 2, 2020
Who Should Pay to Remove Our Nation’s Aging Dams?
Oftentimes, the best option for many dams that have outlived their original purposes is removal. While removing a dam tends to benefit aquatic habitat, water quality, and river recreation options, finding the funding to do so is often a major hurdle.
Press Release — Oct 22, 2020
Aging Dams Present Hazards to Communities. Removal—Rather Than Repair—Often Provides a Cost-Effective Option.
Two new studies analyze the role of state dam safety regulations and policies that incentivize—or disincentivize—dam owners to remove aging dams. They find that a lack of funding and information for dam owners, in combination with many dams falling through the regulatory cracks, is often a barrier to removal.
Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
Navigating the Waters of the United States
A recent report finds that the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule revises crucial distinctions that define protected waters, reducing safeguards for US waters based on flawed methods and unsubstantiated assumptions.
Resources Radio — Dec 17, 2019
Understanding Water Use in the US Energy System, with Emily Grubert
An overview of water consumption for the major fuel sources in the US energy system, with Resources Radio guest Emily Grubert.
On the Issues — Dec 6, 2019
Water Management, Building Electrification, and More
Connecting this week's environmental and energy news to RFF's economic research