Tuesday, February 26, 2008

As Promised: Candidate Positions

Which one of the leading Presidential candidates thinks ethanol is a complete boondoggle? Let's put it this way - it cost him Iowa in 2000.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

More Wind from Texas

I realize there has been a lot of hot air blowing from Texas the past seven years - but this breeze is very cool.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Obama Mania Continues

It looks like we will have climate policy coming from the White House no matter who wins the general election in November. The only remaining question is whether we get a tax on energy or a cap and trade system. Here is a quick look at some current proposals floating around congress.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Interesting News from Oregon

This looks promising.

It also looks like something we could do here in the Southeast with NCState's College of Natural Resources leading the way.

Cap 'n Trade or Tax?

Here is a post from the Director of the CBO - reducing carbon emissions.


Back from Orlando

Sorry for the lag in posting - I've been in Orlando Florida at the World Aquaculture Society Annual Meeting. Today we will begin our discussion of Macroeconomics and the Environment. Most Environmental Economists are applied Micro types, but there is much for Macro to teach us as well. I think the fundamental question here is whether or not the Economy and Environmental Policy are complements or substitutes. The typical story is that environmental policy will hurt the economy. That is, there is a trade-off between growing the economy and protecting the environment. The first thing we will do in class today is develop a simple model to look at how the environment and the economy interact. Then we will talk about the Porter Hypothesis, The Environmental Kuznet's curve, and sustainability. I would like to finish the day with an introduction to the revenue neutral gas tax.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Is everything subject to the market?

Yesterday in class there seemed to be some discomfort with nonmarket valuation. The idea of placing dollar signs on environmental goods and services just didn't sit well with some of you. Might I say it made you feel yucky?? Here is an interesting article from yesterday's NYTimes looking into the Yuck factor. Enjoy.....