Making Private Lands Count for Conservation: Policy Improvements toward 30×30
How can private land be counted in the 30 x 30 efforts proposed by the Biden Administration? Megan Jenkins and Harrison Naftel explain.
Research
High West Meets American Prairie
This paper describes how a non-profit and a for-profit business helped save one of the last grassland ecosystems in the world.
Red Tape That Stops Engines in Their Tracks
This solution benefits everyone by saving taxpayers and protecting homes, requiring innovation-friendly protections for its success.
Cameras for Conservation: Direct Compensation as Motivation for Living with Wildlife
In this paper, Laura Huggins, Olivia Hansen, and Harrison Naftel explore how to help turn wildlife into an asset rather than a liability.
The Costs and Benefits of Critical Habitat Designation: Legal Requirements of the Endangered Species Act
Author Jeffrey McCoy first provides an overview of the ESA's congressional history by examining amendments made in 1978 and 1982.
The Economic Impact of Migrants from Hurricane Maria
In this paper, the authors explore Hurricane Maria’s economic effects on native earnings within the Orlando area.
Critical Habitat’s Unique “Private Land Problem”
This paper highlights lessons from the dusky gopher frog case to enhance the effective use of critical habitat for species recovery.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
Our research suggests that establishing a clear process for how decisions about exclusion will be made will help improve transparency.
When Does Critical Habitat Designation Benefit Species Recovery?
This policy paper examines both the benefits and drawbacks of designating critical habitat. Learn more here.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
This public interest comment is on the proposed a rule to define “habitat” as used in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.
How Do Federal Lands Impact Local Economies?
This piece reviews the existing literature that measures the economic impacts of various types of federal land on nearby communities.
Addressing the Maintenance Backlog on Federal Public Lands
Jenkins, Dougher, and Garlick begin by examining how the maintenance backlog was created and why it has persisted over time.
TURF Wars
Jason Walsh and Chris Brozyna examine the effect of separating fisheries into Territorial Use Rights for Fisheries (TURFs).
Monumental Debate – What Past Reforms of the Antiquities Act Can Teach Us about Current Controversies
Effective reforms limit executive power in designating national monuments, preserving valuable landscapes and artifacts on federal lands.
Executive Discretion and the Antiquities Act
This policy paper reviews literature on executive discretion under the Antiquities Act. For more information, refer to the research.
Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15 and to Elements of the Renewable Identification Number Compliance System
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.
Carbon Pricing in the Private Sector
A broad cross-section of self-reported motives, methods, and prices used by private companies engaging in internal carbon pricing.
What Is the Relationship between Renewable Portfolio Standards and Electricity Prices?
This research examines the effects of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) on electricity prices. Learn more about the research here.
Cooperative Conservation: Determinants of Landowner Engagement in Conserving Endangered Species
This policy paper analyzes surveys of private landowners to better understand factors that deter them from engaging in conservation.
Revision of the Regulations for Prohibitions to Threatened Wildlife and Plants
Drawing on previous research, the authors evaluate likely outcomes of the proposed rule change. Learn more about the research here.
Revision of the Regulations for Listing Species and Designating Critical Habitat
Drawing on previous research, the authors evaluate likely outcomes of the proposed rule change from the Fish and Wildlife Service.
A Review of the Environmental Effects of the Renewable Fuel Standard’s Corn Ethanol Mandate
This research explores the environmental consequences of mandating ethanol in greater detail and makes policy recommendations.