Energy Policy Commons^™

How Shale Boom-Era Municipal Debt Could Undermine Community Resilience During The Energy Transition, Brandon Charles

Center for Policy Research

Local governments in oil and gas-producing regions took on significant municipal debt during the U.S. shale boom to build schools, water systems, and other infrastructure to accommodate rapid population growth. This brief uses Mergent municipal bond issuance data and interviews with local government officials to describe debt accumulation in shale boom communities (N=2,519 counties; 2004–2015) and its implications for the energy transition. The author finds that shale boom communities accumulated approximately $782 more in municipal debt per capita than comparable communities, a 26% increase totaling $1.9 billion across 58 shale boom counties. If production declines and newer residents leave, the …

Debt Accumulation In Fossil Fuel-Reliant Localities During The Shale Boom And Implications For The Energy Transition, Brandon Charles

Center for Policy Research

The energy transition away from fossil fuels poses long-term economic risks for communities reliant on oil and natural gas production and some may face exceptionally difficult challenges in adapting to the change. Bonds issued by these localities during the shale boom may undermine their financial resilience as shale activity dwindles. Declining tax revenue may undermine their ability to service the debt and maintain the associated physical assets. This study addresses the extent to which local governments in oil- and natural gas-producing communities accumulated significantly more municipal debt during the shale boom than other communities. The analysis uses bond issuance data …

A Policy Design Perspective On Electricity Rates, Nicholas Oesterling

Center for Policy Design and Governance

This brief summarizes "A policy design perspective on electricity rates," authored by Nicholas Oesterling in Policy Design and Practice.

Benefits Of Bioenergy For The Sustainable Development Of Sudan, Arwa Ibrahim

International Programs

This poster discusses bioenergy and its potential benefits for Sudan’s Sustainable Development.

What Are The Advantages Of Replacing Fossil Fuels With Biofuels?, Amr Shaalan

International Programs

Fossil fuels’ negative impact on the environment is leading many people to worry In addition to that, fossil fuels are running out as every day goes by. Thus, finding a renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy has now become a necessity. Biofuels offer clean energy that comes with numerous economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, biofuels can absorb more carbon from the air than they would produce when burnt. Giving a chance to clear the air from fossil fuel’s carbon.

How Can Solar Energy Solve The Current Energy Crisis In Pakistan?, Faisal Ali Mastoi

International Programs

Since independence, burning fossil fuels to fulfill the energy demand of Pakistan has led to the deterioration of the environment and an increase in air pollution in major cities such as Karachi and Lahore. Correspondingly, rapid inustrializaiton and econmic growth has resulted in a large difference between teh demand and supply of electricity in Pakistan due to rolling blackouts, which are common. This study focuses on the optimal utilization of solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels which will lead to imrpovements in Pakistan's envornment, economy and energy supply (EEE).

Innovative Solution For Energy Supply In Rural Communities In Africa, Shilda Cardoso

International Programs

This research is a proposition of an innovative solution for energy supply in rural locations across Africa to stimulate social and economic growth. In the continuing unsolved problems in energy supply for rural communities across Africa, an Innovative solutions like solar energy can help change this status quo, and improve the lives of many people throughout the continent.

Renewable Energy Policy In Ukraine, Joe Ralbovsky

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

The purpose and motivation behind the creation and administration of a renewable energy policy creation simulation was to test the usefulness and feasibility of a participatory simulation as a way to teach concepts of policy, negotiation and energy strategy. The learning objectives of the simulation were illustrate the challenges associated with developing comprehensive policy, to teach the content of the simulation in an effective and meaningful way, and to provide a chance to practice discussion and negotiation skills in a practical setting.

I chose to place the simulation in the setting of Ukraine to avoid preconceptions about energy policy on …