Each week, I review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted over at the RFF Library Blog.
Massachusetts Low Gas Demand Analysis: Final Report
[Fierce Energy] Prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and imports of Canadian hydroelectricity would reduce Massachusetts’s exposure to wintertime price spikes that result from the state’s growing dependence on natural gas for heating and electricity generation. That is according to a new analysis conducted by Synapse Energy for Acadia Center, a non-profit, research and advocacy organization with a self-described commitment to advancing the clean energy future. – via Synapse Energy for the Acadia Center
Climate Change and Space Heating Energy Demand: A Review of the Literature
This paper reviews recent evidence on the potential impacts of climate change on energy demand for space heating in residential and commercial buildings. We cover two main topics. First, we review empirical studies of the historical relationship between temperature and energy use for heating and cooling. These studies show consistent evidence of a U-shaped relationship between temperature and energy demand, in which energy use for heating is greatest at very low temperatures, and energy use for cooling is greatest at very high temperatures. The temperature at which energy use is minimized varies across geography and time periods, but in most studies is between 53°F and 72°F (12°C and 22°C). Second, we review studies that estimate how climate change will affect future energy use for space heating and cooling. – via US EPA, National Center for Environmental Economics / by Matthew Ranson, Lauren Morris and Alex Kats-Rubin
The promise, prospects, and public policy trade-offs related to the greater use and production of second-generation biofuels were addressed in an executive session convened by the Harvard Kennedy School on November 13 and 14, 2014. The session attracted more than 25 of the world’s leading experts from the fields of policy, science, and business for an intensive two day session. The agenda consisted of three sessions focused on (i) the sustainability of cellulosic supply chains, (ii) government policy options to attract investment and (iii) government policy options to ensure that environmental objectives are met. The discussions were off-the-record, with each participant present in his or her own capacity, rather than representing an organization. This report is a summary of the main points and issues raised over the two days. – via Rapporteur’s Report, Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School / by Joern Huenteler, Laura Diaz Anadon, Henry Lee and Nidhi R. Santen
The Economic Importance of the Colorado River to the Basin Region
[Wall Street Journal] A new study for the first time quantifies the economic importance of Colorado River water to seven Western states—and the dire outcome should ongoing droughts dry up even a portion of it. – via Carey School of Business, Arizona State Univ. / by Professor Tim James, et al.
The New York Ocean Action Plan (OAP) is a coordinated and inclusive effort focused on improving the health of our ocean ecosystems and their capacity to provide sustainable benefits to New Yorkers. Together, scientists, resource managers, and a wide range of stakeholders will take stock of New York’s ocean-related activities and programs. Through a ten-year action plan, the goal of the OAP is to achieve better-managed and healthier ocean ecosystems that will benefit people, communities, and the natural world. Grounded in short-term actions to reach long-term goals, the OAP will guide State government funding, research, management, outreach, and education choices. – via New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation
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