December 2, 2015
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Expert Consensus on Climate Economics: New Report
As leaders meet in Paris to discuss a global climate agreement, our new survey reveals consensus among expert economists that climate change damages could be more severe and immediate than previously estimated. We surveyed everyone who published an article related to climate change in a highly ranked economics journal since 1994, asking questions about the estimated economic impacts from climate change and appropriate policy responses. Among other findings, these experts believe climate change will have a net negative effect on the economy very soon – the median estimate was “by 2025,” with 41% saying that climate change is already negatively affecting the economy. Respondents expressed strong support for aggressive climate policies. The report has received coverage in the Washington Post, Vox, US News, and other outlets.
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Hein Joins Other Experts to Discuss Oil-by-Rail
Jayni Hein, our policy director, presented at a November conference on oil-by-rail policies, “Oil Train Response 2015: Community Risks & Solutions.” The conference, held in Pittsburgh and sponsored by the Heinz Endowments, offered national stakeholders the opportunity to hear from experts about the scale and scope of this challenge, and participate in discussion sessions to explore solutions to better safeguard communities. Speaking on a panel entitled “Setting the Context,” Hein addressed past government responses and potential future policy changes. Hein has weighed in on the dangers of oil trains to communities in the past, submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation and publishing a recent op-ed on the topic.
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Comments on Oil and Gas Sector Methane Standards
The EPA has proposed new standards for methane and volatile organic compound emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. The proposed rule is necessary to reduce emissions from this sector, which is the largest contributor to U.S. anthropogenic methane emissions. Working with students in our Regulatory Policy Clinic, we recently submitted comments to the EPA. Among other recommendations, we encourage the agency to identify and evaluate a range of alternatives in order to maximize net social benefits; regulate new and existing sources simultaneously to avoid grandfathering concerns; and consider emissions trading in this or future rules.
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In the News: Climate Policy Under a GOP President
Repealing the Clean Power Plan is a popular talking point among the current field of Republican presidential hopefuls. But how realistic are their promises? Richard Revesz recently spoke to the Washington Post about the legal complexities inherent in undoing the Obama administration’s carbon regulations. “There are some things a Republican president might do try to undermine the CPP, but his discretion might be limited in significant ways,” Revesz said, explaining that such actions could take years and would be subject to their own legal challenges.
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Remembering Kelly Cosby
Kelly Cosby, one of our former Regulatory Policy Clinic students, passed away in November after a brave battle with advanced melanoma. She took and passed the New York State bar exam this summer, even in the midst of treatment, and her death is a tremendous loss to the legal community. Through her participation in our Clinic, Kelly presented oral comments to the Administrative Conference of the United States, and her advocacy successfully convinced ACUS to adopt a recommendation concerning the important practice of judicial remand without vacatur. She also helped to prepare Policy Integrity for our amicus brief on the Supreme Court litigation over the application of a Clean Air Act program (prevention of significant deterioration) to greenhouse gases. We will remember Kelly fondly as an eager and hard-working student and colleague, and as a tremendously kind and inspirational person.