Brookings: Topics - U.S. Department of Energy

The Senate Climate Wrangle Begins

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senators Kerry and Boxer recently unveiled their climate bill calling for the creation and funding of a string of energy innovation hubs that are dedicated to clean energy technology development and deployment. Mark Muro and Sarah Rahman reviewed the bill—especially as it impacts metro and regional areas—and noted its similarities and differences with the House of Representative's climate bill, Waxman-Markey.

Budget 2010: A New Embrace of Regional Innovation

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The in-depth versions of President Obama’s first budget released in early May detail a number of significant direct and indirect investments in the innovation capacity of U.S. metropolitan areas. Several of these proposals reflect ideas generated by Metropolitan Policy Program experts.

Making the Business of Energy Efficiency Both Scalable and Sustainable

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As utilities rely more and more on energy efficiency in their portfolios of energy resources, it is important to recognize that making energy efficiency (EE) a sustainable and scalable business requires a partnership among utilities, regulators, legislators, and customers. Lisa Wood and Roland Risser examine how efficiency programs can offset sitnificant growth in demand for electricity over the next 20 years.

Energy Discovery-Innovation Institutes and the American Economy

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:53:06 GMT

Describing a proposed national network of regionally based Energy Discovery-Innovation Institutes, Mark Muro highlights how these institutes would be aimed at creating jobs of the future and at transforming our metropolitan economies.

How Obama Should Confront Climate Change

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Writing as the UN Conference on Climate Change occured in Poland, William Antholis and Bryan Mignone argued that over the past decade, the evidence for human-induced climate change has become one of the most widely accepted scientific findings of our time. They offer four recommendations for President Barack Obama to carry out a comprehensive and economically sensible approach to the issue.

Energy and the Environment: National Security Implications

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For decades, energy has been an economic and national security flash point; and more recently scientists have warned of catastrophic climate change. Today, both presidential candidates list energy security and climate change as top priorities. In an interview with Politico’s David Mark, William Antholis described some energy security worse case scenarios, discussed where the candidates agree and disagree, and also where both are silent.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

7 Years to Climate Midnight

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Global warming—among the most complex economic, political and diplomatic challenges of our time—has become a central focus of the presidential campaign, with both candidates supporting the creation of a cap-and-trade system that would limit national emissions. Strobe Talbott and Carlos Pascual argue that the U.S. must take the lead now in facing the annual buildup in greenhouse gas emissions that threatens global catastrophe.

Rising Oil Prices, Declining National Security

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As gasoline prices continue to set new records, David Sandalow recently testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the national security threats posed by rising oil prices. Drawing from his book Freedom from Oil, Sandalow emphasized the potential for plug-in electric vehicles to help solve the problem.”

Diving in the Deep End: Help Water Agencies Address Climate Change

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change has the unprecedented potential to profoundly affect the world’s water supplies. Shrinking reservoirs and more-frequent floods, among other threats, have tremendous ramifications for Americans living in dry areas or near the coast. Overcoming the challenges ahead will require the federal government to rethink how it views water and utility management.

An Economic Strategy to Address Climate Change and Promote Energy Security

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Jason Furman and co-authors present a three-part strategy for addressing climate change and promoting energy security.

Freedom from Oil : How the Next President Can End the United States' Oil Addiction

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Freedom from Oil takes the reader to the highest levels of government, as Cabinet members and White House aides debate how to break our addiction to oil. In a fast-moving narrative, David Sandalow shows how to solve this problem while offering a uniq

Building a Secure Energy Future: A Challenge for New Presidential Leadership

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

For more than 30 years, the United States has struggled to enhance its energy security. Unfortunately, these efforts have been episodic rather than systematic. Attention to energy security reaches a fever pitch when global energy prices spike or international conflict threatens to disrupt energy trade. Jonathan Elkind presents options to meet these immense challenges head on.

Ending Oil Dependence: Protecting National Security, the Environment and the Economy

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Plug-in hybrid engines, biofuels and other technologies can help end the United States' oil dependence in a generation. Doing so would provide important national security, environmental and economic benefits. A broad political consensus and game-changing technological advances create the conditions for dramatic change. Yet Presidential leadership and robust policies will be needed. There are no simple or short-term solutions.

A Credible Foundation for Long Term International Cooperation on Climate Change

Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Warwick McKibbin and Peter Wilcoxen propose a detailed climate change policy that establishes long-term incentives for investments in new energy-sector capital, and in research and development, as well as enhancing coordination and collaboration between countries, rather than on coercion.