If/Then
Overview
The core mission of Resources for the Future (RFF) is to improve environmental, energy, and climate policy through impartial economic research. Decisionmakers have come to rely on our research to understand the implementation and economic outcomes of environmental policy since RFF’s founding over 70 years ago.
But the policy world is rapidly evolving in ways that counter the traditional research enterprise. The frequency of “policy actions”—our catchall phrase for any statement about proposed or implemented policy—has increased drastically, while the language and delivery of policy actions has become more variable. RFF is committed to its core function—and how do we do that in the current moment?
Introducing RFF's If/Then series, a multi-channel project that presents timely insights about substantive developments in environmental and energy policy, grounded in economics expertise and shared in ways that are easily accessible and user friendly.
Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our emails, including RFF’s monthly Roundup newsletter and biweekly On the Issues current events newsletter.
Highlights
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
Common Resources — Apr 2, 2025
Evidence in a Time of Policy Extremes: Launching the If/Then Series from Resources for the Future
If environmental policies are changing at breakneck speed, then understanding the economics of the change needs to be as fast—but also rigorous.
Issue Brief — Mar 27, 2025
Projected Impacts of Repealing the Section 45Y and 48E Technology-Neutral Clean Electricity Tax Credits
This issue brief examines the potential effects on electricity prices and emissions by repealing tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Common Resources — Mar 18, 2025
The US Environmental Protection Agency Finalized Regulations for Power Plants Last Year. What Benefits Would the Regulations Yield—If They Remain in Place?
Last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalized regulations that would limit emissions from certain power plants. New research shows that the regulations would yield major benefits—but the fate of these regulations is uncertain now.
Issue Brief — Mar 4, 2025
Unpacking the Department of Energy’s Report on US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
This paper examines the Department of Energy's report, alongside analysis from S&P Global, revealing that the department likely underestimates methane emissions and the rising prices driven by increased US LNG exports.
Issue Brief — Mar 27, 2025
Projected Impacts of Repealing the Section 45Y and 48E Technology-Neutral Clean Electricity Tax Credits
This issue brief examines the potential effects on electricity prices and emissions by repealing tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Issue Brief — Mar 4, 2025
Unpacking the Department of Energy’s Report on US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
This paper examines the Department of Energy's report, alongside analysis from S&P Global, revealing that the department likely underestimates methane emissions and the rising prices driven by increased US LNG exports.
Report — Dec 18, 2024
Climate Insights 2024: American Perceptions of Environmental Justice
This fourth report in the 2024 Climate Insights report series by researchers at Stanford University and RFF examines American opinions of various aspects of environmental justice.
Report — Oct 22, 2024
Climate Insights 2024: Partisan Views
This third report in the 2024 Climate Insights report series by researchers at Stanford University and RFF examines how American opinions on climate change differ by political party affiliation.
RFF Live — Jan 29, 2025
Big Decisions 2025
On Wednesday, January 29th, RFF and leaders across government, business, philanthropy & media gathered to discuss the big decisions anticipated in 2025.
Policy Leadership Series — Oct 8, 2024
The Future of Environmental and Energy Justice: A Policy Leadership Series Event with Shalanda Baker
A conversation with energy justice expert Shalanda Baker on equity, partnership, and climate change
RFF Live — May 23, 2024
Transforming Transmission: Unpacking Order 1920, FERC’s New Regional Transmission Planning Rule
A webinar featuring a panel of experts examining the Federal Energy Regulation Commission's May 13 Grid Expansion Rule.
RFF Live — May 2, 2024
Reducing Power Plant Pollution: An Overview of EPA’s Recent Emissions Rules
A virtual fireside chat and panel discussion about EPA's April 2024 rulings on power plants, notably section 111 of the Clean Air Act.
Common Resources — Apr 2, 2025
Evidence in a Time of Policy Extremes: Launching the If/Then Series from Resources for the Future
If environmental policies are changing at breakneck speed, then understanding the economics of the change needs to be as fast—but also rigorous.
Common Resources — Mar 18, 2025
The US Environmental Protection Agency Finalized Regulations for Power Plants Last Year. What Benefits Would the Regulations Yield—If They Remain in Place?
Last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalized regulations that would limit emissions from certain power plants. New research shows that the regulations would yield major benefits—but the fate of these regulations is uncertain now.
Common Resources — Feb 18, 2025
When Put to the Test, Higher Social Cost of Carbon Stands Firm
A recent analysis of the social cost of carbon—the cost to society of an additional ton of carbon dioxide emissions—ultimately supports a higher estimate of this metric.
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 7, 2024
Elections Matter. So Does Policy Research.
As the presidential election nears, and regardless of outcome, researchers at Resources for the Future continue to pursue work that will inspire interest, bipartisan coalitions, and progress on policy issues, given the political resilience of the topics.