Environmental & Energy Policy
Environmental and energy policy research at SPEA focuses on complex policy problems in the context of evolving regulations, fiscal constraints, and unique environmental challenges such as global climate change. Environmental research areas include intergovernmental relations; interjurisdictional competition; international regimes; environmental policy-making in developing countries; transaction costs and benefit–cost analysis, options for carbon sequestration, endangered species management, and wetland restoration. Energy research focuses on transportation and electricity technology assessment, energy policy effectiveness, economic analysis of new technologies, the human dimensions of energy use, global climate governance, and energy-based economic development.
Faculty Members
Faculty Research
Steps needed to reduce likelihood that pilot commuting practices could pose safety risk, but too little data now to support regulation
7/6/11
The report was requested by Congress due to concerns about pilots' commuting practices and whether they could lead to dangerous levels of fatigue, given that some pilots do not live near the airports where they are based and must travel long distances before beginning their flight duty. Such concerns increased following a fatal Colgan Air crash in Buffalo, N.Y., on Feb. 12, 2009.
Journal article examines effectiveness of state-level energy policies
5/23/11
"The states are putting their best foot forward, and that is admirable," Carley said. "But they need to be deliberate and coordinated in their approaches in order to be effective.
Energy-based economic development: A fad or here to stay?
8/20/10
More than $50 billion in federal stimulus funds were allocated to support energy technology innovation, green jobs and low-income energy efficiency assistance programs.
Tidal Marshes Compared for Effectiveness in Improving Quality of Estuaries
5/27/10
Professor Christopher Craft is co-author of an article published in the May/June issue of the Soil Science Society of America Journal.
Professor Vicky Meretsky has turned to digital photography
1/16/10
Decisions concerning the listing status of a species under the Endangered Species Act require consistent and accurate estimations.
Professor's new book examines interconnected systems
11/17/09
Professor Rafael Reuveny's research has recently been published in a new book, Democracy and Economic Openness in an Interconnected System, from Cambridge University Press.
Researchers discover high levels of algal toxins in Indiana lakes
11/16/09
A team of SPEA researchers, led by professor Bill Jones, has discovered detectable levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by several common species of cyanobacteria, in 68 percent of a sample of Indiana lakes and reservoirs. That's higher than twice the rate at which microcystin was found in a nationwide survey conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The national survey found microcystins in 32 percent of lakes and reservoirs.
Carbon Capture: Viable for Indiana?
11/12/09
A year ago, two Indiana University professors helped organize a summit of national technology, science, policy and regulatory experts through the Indiana Office of Energy Development. The summit focused on the opportunities and challenges of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and its relevance in Indiana. Now, a summary of the summit's findings is available from the State of Indiana's Web site.
Effects of sea-level rise on tidal marsh ecosystems
8/28/09
The coastal wetlands in the U.S. are essential to the ecological and economic health of many communities. They serve as habitats for many birds and animals, they filter out many pesticides and pollutants sent "downriver," and they protect shorelines from the worst impacts of storms and flooding. However, predicted rising sea levels due to climate change have raised many questions about what will happen to the nation's shorelines. Through the support of the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, Professor Chris Craft and a team of researchers examine the coastline marshes of the southeast to determine their susceptibility to climate change. They came away with a model that may predict the future picture of our nation's coastal wetlands.
SPEA publication addresses challenges of carbon capture and storage
5/29/09
Carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is a promising tool that may help the United States meet future energy needs while controlling emissions of greenhouse gases linked to climate change, Indiana University researchers say in a new policy brief.