About the Environment, Energy, and Economic Development Program
ISE's Environment, Energy, and Economic Development program conducts research and analysis for federal, state, non-profit, and private-sector clients on the interrelated issues of the environment, natural resources, energy, and economic development. Projects address environmental quality and regulation, energy resources and systems, water resources and systems, climate, agriculture, oceans, natural hazards and disasters, and economic development.
Recent News and Publications
Benefits and Costs of Increased Water-Use Efficiency in Commercial Buildings — October 24, 2007
This report suggests ways for the owners of commercial buildings to determine how to invest in water-efficient equipment, and uses two configurations of the current RAND headquarters as a case study.
Research and Development Issues for Producing Liquid Fuels from Coal — September 5, 2007
Testimony presented before the House Science and Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment discussing the key problems and policy issues associated with developing a domestic coal-to-liquids industry and approaches for Congress in addressing these issues.
Wind Insurance Costly and Scarce on Gulf of Mexico Coast — Jul. 18, 2007
Many businesses along the Gulf of Mexico coast have had a difficult time obtaining wind insurance coverage since Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma hit in 2005 and have often ended up paying more than twice as much for the insurance as they did previously.
Full DocumentNews Release
Civil Justice Research Area
Further Study Warranted on Save the World Air Technology — May 3, 2007
Save the World Air Inc. should conduct further laboratory studies and in-use testing to determine the effectiveness of its Zero Emission Fuel Saver (ZEFS) technology that is intended to reduce tailpipe pollutants and increase fuel efficiency in gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Characterizing and Communicating Uncertain Climate Change Information for Policy Makers — Feb. 2, 2007
This multi-year project conducts fundamental research to help improve methods for providing uncertain scientific and economic information to water managers and other policy makers confronted by climate change. The work links new robust decision approaches to computer modeling with survey research and psychology experiments evaluating the impact of different characterizations of uncertainty on people's decisions.
— May 3, 2006
Currently, only 5 percent of containers arriving at U.S. seaports are inspected. A cost-benefit analysis indicates that 100 percent scanning is not currently feasible, but future technologies and process improvements may improve the cost effectiveness of inspection.
Examining the Role of Energy Efficiency in Homebuying Decisions — May 2, 2006
The development near Sacramento, Calif., of two new residential housing tracts that offered varying levels of energy efficiency enabled preliminary research into what factors most influence homebuying decisions.
Few Homeowners Buy Flood Insurance When It Is Not Required — Feb. 21, 2006
Only about half of homeowners living in some of the most flood-prone areas of the United States buy federal flood insurance, leaving millions of families at risk for severe financial losses when floods strike.
Full DocumentNews ReleaseResearch Brief
Regional Differences Affect the Price and Demand for Energy — Nov. 23, 2005
The Department of Energy estimates the impact of energy-efficient technologies based on a national modeling system. To improve results, the system should take into account regional differences in the price-demand relationship for electricity and natural gas.
Refinery Study Highlights Price Volatility, High Demand — Sep. 30, 2005
Recent developments in the Gulf Coast have highlighted vulternabilities
in the U.S. refining industry. A 2003 study detailed long-term
critical trends in the sector that have contributed to today's volatile
fuel supplies and rising prices.
Future Potential for Competitively Priced Shale-Derived Oil — Aug. 31, 2005
In 20 to 30 years, oil shale from the Western United States could become a daily source of millions of barrels of competitively priced oil if technological, environmental and governance issues are resolved.
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