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CEPM
Center for Energy Policy and Management at
Washington & Jefferson College
Resources
The Center for Energy Policy and Management conducts original research and curates resources from credible organizations to help decision-makers understand important energy issues.
Explainer Series
Carbon Emissions 101
This explainer discusses carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, and how it contributes significantly to global emissions. The primary sources of carbon emissions include transportation, electricity generation, industry, residential and commercial sectors, agriculture, and land use. Various international, federal, and state policies have been implemented to address CO2 emissions, such as the Paris Agreement and the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan. Pennsylvania has also joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a program that limits carbon emissions from power plants.
Read more in this succinct survey HERE.
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Decarbonization 101
This explainer discusses the concept of decarbonization, providing background, an explanation, and relevant policies and other factors that have an effect on this important energy topic as the U.S. works to reduce its carbon emissions to meet climate targets.
Read more in this succinct survey HERE.
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The Grid 101
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This explainer discusses the interconnected grid system, providing information on the history, modern process, control, and future of the grid.
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Read more in this succinct survey HERE.
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Electrification 101
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This explainer discusses the concept of electrification, providing context, challenges, opportunities, relevant policies, and other factors that have an effect on this important energy topic as the U.S. works to reduce its carbon emissions to meet climate targets.
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Read more in this succinct survey HERE.
Hydrogen Energy 101
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This explainer discusses hydrogen energy, providing context, challenges, opportunities, relevant policies, and other factors that affect this important energy topic as the U.S. works to reduce its carbon emissions to meet climate targets.
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Read more in this succinct survey HERE.
CEPM Reports
Harnessing Hydrogen Policy Brief
Read the policy brief based on research and information gathered at the CEPM's inaugural summit on hydrogen energy and CCUS
Harnessing Hydrogen Final Report
Read the final document summarizing key findings from the CEPM's inaugural summit on hydrogen energy and CCUS
CEPM Research
Employment and Income Effects of Investments Made Using the Act 13 Unconventional Natural Gas Impact Fee in Pennsylvania
This study evaluated whether counties that used funds from Act 13 to invest in infrastructure were better off in terms of employment and income than other shale-producing counties in the Commonwealth. Panel fixed- and random-effects regressions suggested that no statistically significant employment or income effects existed. The results showed that counties that used funds from Act 13 to invest in infrastructure were no better off in terms of employment and income, despite prior research suggesting otherwise. Read the full study HERE.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Governing Unconventional Natural Gas at the Local Level in the United States
While numerous studies have addressed the impact of unconventional natural gas development on communities in the United States during the initial boom period (2007 to 2014), few works synthesizing local governance issues exist. This paper aims to address the gap in the research by reviewing the literature and identifying challenges local governments encountered while attempting to govern the burgeoning industry. The paper suggests that local officials should adopt collaborative frameworks to exchange information, establish best practices, and clarify regulatory landscapes. This study adds to the literature on local governance in communities with mineral resource extraction and provides insights for future industries or resources with local impacts. Read the full study HERE.