Bringing NEPA Back to Basics
If we are to address the challenges of our time, whether they be climate change or the emergence of strategic adversaries, we must not let NEPA keep one hand tied behind our backs.
Research
Red Tape That Stops Engines in Their Tracks
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.
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.
Transfer of Very Low-Level Waste to Exempt Persons for Disposal
Public interest comment on proposed rule with the intended purpose of adding consistency in the disposal of Very Low-Level Radioactive Waste (VLLW).
Critical Habitat’s Unique “Private Land Problem”
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.
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.
Addressing the Maintenance Backlog on Federal Public Lands
In this policy paper, 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).
Executive Discretion and the Antiquities Act
This policy paper reviews the relevant literature on the extent of executive discretion under the Antiquities Act. Learn more about the research here.
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.
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.