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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Long-Term Effect Of State Renewable Energy Incentive Programs, Fred Bower Jul 2017

The Long-Term Effect Of State Renewable Energy Incentive Programs, Fred Bower

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

Abstract: Renewable energy is praised for its environmental benefits and long run energy savings, however, for the average consumer, the up-front cost of this infrastructure deters investment. On the Federal and state level, incentive programs have been implemented to break down these initial barriers and give easier access to renewable energy. Studies have shown that these incentive programs have been successful at the consumer level (Crago, 2014). What policy makers and government officials should maybe be more concerned with though, is the long-term effect of these programs. This paper will analyze the long-term effect of renewable energy incentive programs beyond …


Renewable Energy Consumption: Initiatives In Colorado And Washington, Robin K. Doroff Jan 2016

Renewable Energy Consumption: Initiatives In Colorado And Washington, Robin K. Doroff

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

This paper examines the use of policy mechanisms to increase renewable energy consumption within the United States. In order to effectively measure the change of renewable energy consumption, I analyze two initiatives that promote energy consumption from renewable sources and overall increases in energy conservation. Colorado and Washington had approved initiatives in the years 2004 and 2006, respectively. Although the results are not entirely statistically significant, I find that the initiatives lead to increases in total renewable energy consumption and decreases in total energy use.


Leap: Land Endowment Action Plan For Sustainable Colby, Victoria Palffy Aug 2014

Leap: Land Endowment Action Plan For Sustainable Colby, Victoria Palffy

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

This paper proposes that Colby College purchase land endowments to fuel its recently constructed campus biomass plant. Rather than contract with a third party, the college should invest in 30,000 acres2 and sustainably harvest its own renewable fuel. Beyond this, LEAP, the land endowment action plan, presents an opportunity to improve forest health, conserve valuable ecosystems, implement major additions to the curriculum, gain fuel independence, and create a constant annual revenue stream. With a 40-year payback period, the long-term investment brings profits of over $260 million in its 100-year outlook.