Research

Recently, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a rule that would rescind its 2020 definition of habitat under the Endangered Species Act.

This paper describes how a non-profit and a for-profit business helped save one of the last grassland ecosystems in the world.

Saving taxpayers and protecting homes, this solution is a win-win for landowners, insurers, and policymakers. To keep this private approach alive, we’ll need protections that fan the flames of innovation.

This working paper from economists John Morehouse and Edward Rubin examines whether coal power plant owners choose locations that reduce their potential exposure to clean air monitoring and regulations.

In this paper, Laura Huggins, Olivia Hansen, and Harrison Naftel explore how to help turn wildlife into an asset rather than a liability.

Author Jeffrey McCoy first provides an overview of the ESA's congressional history by examining amendments made in 1978 and 1982.

Wood and Watkins identify key lessons from the case of the dusky gopher frog about how to more effectively use critical habitat to help species recover.

Our research suggests that establishing a clear process for how decisions about exclusion will be made will help improve transparency.

This policy paper examines both the benefits and drawbacks of designating critical habitat. Learn more here.

This public interest comment is on the proposed a rule to define “habitat” as used in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.

This research-in-focus piece reviews the existing literature that measures the economic impacts of various types of federal land on nearby communities.

This edited volume builds on Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom’s research with six chapters by renowned environmental scholars.

Regulators should embrace changes to encourage continued innovation in how consumers both produce and consume the electricity that powers their lives.

There are better ways to protect the environment than requiring agencies to engage in multi-year long reviews before every major action.

In this policy paper, Jenkins, Dougher, and Garlick begin by examining how the maintenance backlog was created and why it has persisted over time.

Rather than forcing specific technologies on consumers, policymakers should opt for approaches that engage consumer preferences and innovative solutions.

This comment evaluates the likely effects of proposed rule changes on competition in the electricity industry.

This research analyzes data to examine the effect of hydraulic fracturing on local water availability. Learn more here.

The EPA seeks comment on changes to rules governing sales of E15, a gasoline blend with up to 15% ethanol. Learn more about the research here.

This research examines the effects of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) on electricity prices. Learn more about the research here.

This policy paper analyzes surveys of private landowners to better understand factors that deter them from engaging in conservation.

Drawing on previous research, the authors evaluate likely outcomes of the proposed rule change. Learn more about the research here.

Drawing on previous research, the authors evaluate likely outcomes of the proposed rule change from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

This research explores the environmental consequences of mandating ethanol in greater detail and makes policy recommendations.

CGO Research Manager, Josh T. Smith, writes about the problems with certain net metering policies and how this cost shift can hurt lower-income households.