Fossil Fuels

Research conducted by: RAND Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment

All Items (64)

REPORT

Mileage-Based User Fee Winners and Losers: An Analysis of the Distributional Implications of Taxing Vehicle Miles Traveled, with Projections, 2010-2030 — Apr 26, 2012

Estimates changes in annual vehicle miles traveled in response to changes in the cost of driving that would result from adopting a mileage-based user fee.

REPORT

Could Coal Mine Drainage Be Used for Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Extraction? — Apr 16, 2012

There are large quantities of coal mine water in Pennsylvania—much more than could be used in the coming decade for hydraulic fracturing. Researchers and operators will need to further explore quantity and quality needs to confirm whether coal mine drainage sources represent a viable, large-scale alternative to fresh water.

PROJECT

Exploring the Nexus of Energy Sources, Technology, and Policy — Feb 27, 2012

Energy plays a vital role in the success of the global economy, but obtaining and using energy can also impact the environment. RAND researchers in the Environment, Energy, and Economic Development Program help policymakers worldwide make informed decisions on meeting their nations' energy needs while mitigating long-term life cycle environmental risks.

PROJECT

Calculating Uncertainty in Biomass Emissions (CUBE) Model — Dec 15, 2011

CUBE 2.0, an update of the 2010 release of the 1.0 version, allows users to estimate the "farm-to-gate" greenhouse gas emissions of biomass feedstocks for energy production, as well as the uncertainty in these emissions.

REPORT

Characterizing the U.S. Industrial Base for Coal-Powered Electricity — Oct 27, 2011

Coal-fired electricity generating units (EGUs) provide about 46 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S., yet most of the existing coal-fired electricity fleet is 25–45 years old. Can the industry maintain the capability to design, construct, and operate coal-fired EGUs within reasonable cost, schedule, performance, environmental, and quality expectations?

REPORT

Near-Term Opportunities for Integrating Biomass into the U.S. Electricity Supply — Aug 2, 2011

Biomass is an increasingly important source of electricity, heat, and liquid fuel. One near-term option for using it to generate electricity is to cofire biomass in coal-fired electricity plants. Factors to consider are plant-site modifications, changes in operations, costs, and logistical issues with delivering biomass to the plant.

REPORT

Testimony on S. 937 The American Alternative Fuels Act of 2011: Addendum — Jun 30, 2011

Document submitted on June 29, 2011 as an addendum to testimony presented before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 7, 2011.

REPORT

Testimony on S. 937 The American Alternative Fuels Act of 2011 — Jun 7, 2011

Testimony presented before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 7, 2011.

REPORT

Opportunities for Alternative Fuels: The Roadmap for America's Energy Future — Jun 3, 2011

Achieving the potential economic and national security benefits offered by alternative fuels requires that their domestic production must be an appreciable fraction of domestic demand for liquid fuels. Alternative fuels derived from oil shale and coal have the potential to meet that important criterion.

PERIODICAL

Gays in the Military: Eventually, New Facts Conquer Old Taboos — Apr 29, 2011

This RAND Review cover story describes RAND's research and analysis of sexual orientation and U.S. military personnel policy relating to the likely repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

REPORT

Replacing Gas Tax with Crude Oil Tax Could Fund Nation's Transportation Needs — Feb 23, 2011

The federal government could fully fund its surface transportation infrastructure needs by levying a percentage tax on crude oil and imported refined petroleum products.

NEWS RELEASE

Replacing Gas Tax with Crude Oil Tax Could Fund Nation's Transportation Needs — Feb 23, 2011

The federal government could fully fund its surface transportation infrastructure needs by levying a percentage tax on crude oil and imported refined petroleum products.

REPORT

Paying for carbon emissions reduction — Feb 23, 2011

This paper explores how much British citizens might be willing to pay for carbon emissions reduction, and the implication of this for climate change policies.

JOURNAL ARTICLE

System Trials to Demonstrate Mileage-Based Road Use Charges — Feb 11, 2011

Explore options for conducting a set of trials to test the feasibility of transitioning from fuel excise taxes to a system of road use charges based on vehicle miles of travel.

REPORT

No Direct Military Benefit from Use of Alternative Fuels by Armed Forces — Jan 24, 2011

If the U.S. military increases its use of alternative fuels, there will be no direct benefit to the nation's armed forces. It makes more sense for the military to direct its efforts toward using energy more efficiently.

NEWS RELEASE

No Direct Military Benefit from Use of Alternative Fuels by Armed Forces — Jan 24, 2011

If the U.S. military increases its use of alternative fuels, there will be no direct benefit to the nation's armed forces.

COMMENTARY

Among Potential Deficit Remedies, Don't Rule Out Raising Gas Tax — Dec 25, 2010

A proposed 15-cents-a-gallon gas tax is worth a second look. Among various painful options put forward in the Deficit Reduction Commission's draft report, this tax hike may be well justified, writes Martin Wachs.

PROJECT

Natural Resources and Their Impact on Economic Development — Apr 21, 2010

Research conducted within RAND Environment, Energy, and Economic Development focuses on environmental quality and regulation, energy resources and systems, water resources and systems, climate, agriculture, oceans, natural hazards and disasters, and economic development.

PERIODICAL

RAND Review: Vol. 34, No. 1, Spring 2010 — Apr 9, 2010

Features discuss energy strategies for Israel, the economic recession, and Iran's leadership; other items discuss the KC-10 fleet, air pollution and hospital costs, no-fault insurance, silica litigation, poverty reduction, and political polarization.

RESEARCH BRIEF

Natural Gas and Israel's Energy Future: Planning Amid Deep Uncertainty — Dec 22, 2009

Israel must control future electricity demand. It can build a secure energy infrastructure in which natural gas provides up to 40 percent of electric power generation but only by taking measures to limit supply disruptions.

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