Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy. Check out this week’s highlights below:
This report assesses the variables involved in determining whether or not biopower (i.e., electricity generated from biomass) is a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels as a way to help meet meet U.S. energy demands and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It includes information about the biomass carbon cycle, GHG accounting for biopower production, recent developments affecting the assessment, and overview of whether or not it can be considered carbon neutral, and legislative implications. — via UNT Digital Library
Draft National Climate Assessment Report
...The NCADAC has engaged more than 240 authors in the creation of the report. The authors are acknowledged at the beginning of the chapters they co-authored.
Following extensive review by the National Academies of Sciences and by the public, this report will be revised by the NCADAC and, after additional review, will then be submitted to the Federal Government for consideration in the Third National Climate Assessment (NCA) Report. — via United States Global Change Research Program
What would be the impact of SoCal losing access to Delta water? A 6+ percent drop in GDP and employment (Table ES-4), UNLESS customers are allowed to adjust (“Simultaneous Resilience”), in which case the cost drops to about nothing (Table 11). I’m annoyed that the authors buried this result, but it WAS prepared for the LA Country Economic Development Corporation (hint). — via USC, Price School of Public Policy and Center for Risk and Economic Analysis
Mileage-Based User Fees for Transportation Funding: A Primer for State and Local Decisionmakers
This primer presents some promising and innovative mileage fee system designs and transition strategies. For states or localities that are just beginning to consider the idea of mileage fees, awareness of these strategies can help determine whether shifting from fuel taxes to mileage fees merits further consideration. For jurisdictions already engaged in detailed assessments of mileage fees, these concepts can help refine system design — with the ultimate aim of reducing costs and building public support. — via Rand Corp.
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