Welcome to ISE
RAND Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment (ISE) provides effective solutions and insights to decisionmakers in the public and private sectors on the challenges of developing, managing, and protecting energy, transportation, water, communications, and other infrastructure as well as the safety and security of individuals and communities. ISE studies are coordinated through four programs: Environment, Energy & Economic Development; Homeland Security; Safety & Justice; and Transportation, Space, & Technology.
ISE is known for its:
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Objective, innovative approaches to problem solving
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Impartial, expert analysis of complex—and sometimes controversial—policy issues
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Clearly communicated findings and recommendations subject to rigorous quality assurance
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Capabilities that cut across traditional policy boundaries and span multiple economic sectors
Featured Media
Featured Research
Methamphetamine Use Estimated to Cost the U.S. About $23 Billion in 2005 — Feb. 4, 2009
The economic cost of methamphetamine use in the United States reached $23.4 billion in 2005, including the burden of addiction, premature death, drug treatment and many other aspects of the drug.
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News Release
Recent News and Findings
Evaluating Options for U.S. Greenhouse-Gas Mitigation Using Multiple Criteria — Apr. 14, 2009
Devising policies to mitigate greenhouse gases responsible for climate change is one of the great challenges facing the U.S. Options that are effective and politically feasible must not just be cost-effective but also consider the realities of passing major federal legislation with widespread impacts on U.S. producers and consumers.
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Understanding Forfeitures: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Law Enforcement Funding and High Asset Forfeiture
The Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF) administers the forfeitures that result from the prosecution of criminal enterprises - such as drug cartels, terrorist organizations, and individual embezzlers - can be used to fund future investigations. TEOAF commissioned RAND to examine such funding and forfeiture outcomes.
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Challenges and Opportunities Related to the Interconnection of Climate, Energy, and Transportation Policies — Mar. 9, 2009
In June 2008, RAND convened three workshops for private and public sector representatives to discuss their competing views on climate change mitigation. The conference allowed them to find commonality on such issues as technological innovation; potential legislative and regulatory solutions; international cooperation; and public engagement.
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Research Brief
The Challenge of Domestic Intelligence in a Free Society — Feb. 2, 2009
Whether U.S. terrorism-prevention efforts match the threat continues to be central in policy debate. Part of this debate is whether the United States needs a dedicated domestic counterterrorism intelligence agency. To inform future policy decisionmaking, this book examines, from a variety of perspectives, the policy proposal that such an agency be created.
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Related Report
The RAND Database of Worldwide Terrorism Incidents — January 14, 2009
RAND is now offering institutional subscriptions to access the RDWTI.
The Database of Worldwide Terrorism Incidents defines and categorizes terrorist attacks in order to help analysts, policymakers, and practitioners understand general trends in the threat. It is based on over 30 years of research by analysts at RAND.
Visit the RAND Database of Worldwide Terrorism Incidents
Pennsylvania's Rail System Will Require Collaborative Approach to Improve Safety and Security
Pennsylvania leaders have an active role to play in coordinating public and private efforts to improve the safety and security of Pennsylvania's extensive and complex railroad system.
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News Release
Western Riverside County Habitat Conservation Plan Progressing, but Needs Fine-Tuning — Nov. 3, 2008
Western Riverside County's Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan -- a sweeping effort to protect endangered and threatened species while accelerating the approval of transportation improvements -- has made significant progress, but needs modifying to reach its goals in Southern California's changing economy.
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News Release
Easing Restrictions on Deliveries to Postal Mailboxes Could Hurt Efforts to Keep Mail Safe — Oct. 23, 2008
Allowing private courier services to deliver items into mailboxes could hamper efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to safeguard the nation's mail. Although the impact of such a change is likely to be moderate, it could diminish public safety and security by diluting the effectiveness of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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News Release
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