The State of Energy Policy

With political shifts in Washington, DC and the states, institutions and policies that deal with energy are likely to change. SSN scholars from across the country weigh in on updates to energy policy that could spur innovation, improve existing programs, and promote new technologies.

 

“Community Responses to Large-Scale Energy Projects”
Hilary Boudet, Oregon State University

Boudet explains what factors shape community responses to large-scale energy projects that will likely proliferate under a business-friendly Trump administration.

“How States are Grappling with Solar Panels, Net Energy Metering, and the Evolving Electric Utility Industry”
Sanya Carley, Indiana University of Bloomington

Carley describes the patchwork of net energy metering policies across the United States and highlights how policymakers and the electric utility industry can adapt to the rise of solar production.

“The Future of Clean Energy Innovation in a Changing U.S. Policy Environment”
David Popp, Syracuse University

Federal and state policies shape energy innovation. Popp explains how and suggests market principles policymakers should keep in mind to promote clean energy.

“How the States Manage Revenue from Growing Oil and Natural Gas Production”
Daniel Raimi, University of Michigan, Richard G. Newell, Duke University

States tax oil and gas production and distribute the revenues in various ways.  Raimi and Newell lay out the variations and suggest improvements.

"How the United States Could Benefit from Eliminating Ineffective Fossil Fuel Subsidies"
Joseph Aldy, Harvard University

Aldy makes the case for reforming tax subsidies that promote fossil fuel use and increase carbon emissions, but offer few benefits to consumers or do little to encourage needed  investments in clean energy infrastructure.

“Improving the Effectiveness of Federal Energy Assistance for Low-Income Households”
Tony G. Reames, University of Michigan

The federal government runs two major energy assistance programs to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families. Reames surveys the strengths and shortcomings of these programs and suggests ways to more effectively address energy needs across the country.

“Why Updated Policies are Needed to Spur Modernization of America’s Electricity Grid”
Elizabeth J. Wilson, University of Minnesota, and Stephanie Lenhart, Boise State University

Wilson and Lenhart make the case for modernizing the American electricity grid, pointing to possibilities for federal, state, and local policymakers to spur technological innovation and investment through institutional and policy changes.