Resources for the Future

Resources for the Future (RFF) is a nonprofit research and policy organization that aims to improve environmental and energy decision-making through rigorous economic and social science research. Founded in 1950, RFF has established itself as a leading voice in the analysis of environmental and natural resource issues. With a focus on providing policymakers and the public with accurate and unbiased information, RFF has contributed significantly to the development of environmental and energy policies in the United States and globally. RFF's work has been influential in shaping the EPA's policies and NOAA's research initiatives.

History and founding

Resources for the Future was established in 1950 by a group of economists, led by Hans Singer, who were concerned about the impact of human activity on the environment and natural resources. The organization's early work focused on issues related to conservation and sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the economic aspects of environmental policy. In its early years, RFF was supported by the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, which provided funding for research and policy initiatives. The organization's founders, including Aaron Director and CEA member George Stigler, sought to create an institution that could provide objective analysis on environmental and natural resource issues.

Research and analysis

RFF's research program is organized around several key areas, including climate change, energy policy, and environmental economics. The organization's researchers use a range of analytical tools, including econometric modeling and cost-benefit analysis, to examine the impacts of environmental and energy policies. RFF has made significant contributions to the development of market-based environmental policies, including cap-and-trade systems and carbon pricing. The organization's research has been published in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management and the Review of Economics and Statistics.

Policy influence and impact

RFF's research and analysis have had a significant impact on environmental and energy policy debates in the United States and globally. The organization's work has influenced the development of policies related to climate change mitigation, air and water pollution, and natural resource management. RFF has also played a key role in shaping the United States' energy policy, including the development of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. The organization's researchers have testified before Congress on numerous occasions, providing expert analysis on environmental and energy policy issues.

Key publications and reports

RFF has produced a wide range of publications, including books, journal articles, and policy reports. Some of the organization's most influential publications include its annual State of the Environment report, which provides an overview of environmental trends and policy issues, and its Energy Outlook report, which examines trends and challenges in the energy sector. RFF has also published several books on environmental and energy policy issues, including The Economics of Climate Change and The Future of Energy.

Organization and leadership

RFF is led by a president and a board of directors, which includes prominent experts in environmental and energy policy. The organization's research staff includes economists, scientists, and policy analysts with expertise in a range of areas related to environmental and energy policy. RFF has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, and its researchers work closely with experts from other fields, including ecology, engineering, and social sciences. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a research office in New York City. Richard Newell, a prominent energy economist, has served as RFF's president since 2007.