Joshua Linn
Senior Fellow
Josh Linn is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland and a senior fellow at RFF. His research centers on the effects of environmental policies and economic incentives for new technologies in the transportation, electricity, and industrial sectors. His transportation research assesses passenger vehicle taxation and fuel economy standards in the United States and Europe. He has examined the effects of Beijing’s vehicle ownership restrictions on travel behavior, labor supply, and fertility.
His work on the electricity sector has compared the effectiveness of cap and trade and alternative policy instruments in promoting new technology and reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and local air pollutants. Recent studies have compared the roles of natural gas prices and environmental regulation in explaining coal mine closures and the shift away from coal-fired generation in the United States. He has examined the implications of low-cost storage and renewables for reducing electricity sector emissions.
Linn’s research on the manufacturing sector has investigated the roles of energy prices in driving the adoption of energy-saving technology and the effects of carbon pricing on industrial competitiveness. He has published in leading general interest and field journals in environmental, energy, and health economics.
Prior to joining RFF in 2010, Linn was an assistant professor in the economics department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a research scientist at MIT. He was a senior economist at the Council of Economic Advisers from 2014–2015. He is serving on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee on light-duty fuel economy. He is a co-editor for the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management.
Education
- PhD in economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005
- BA in astronomy and physics, Yale University, 2000
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Webinar — Oct 16, 2024
Analyzing Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mitigation
A webinar featuring industry experts discussing models and analysis, alternative policies, energy pricing, and areas of greatest potential industrial emissions mitigation.
Common Resources — Sep 5, 2024
Après Chevron, Judges Rule
The recent US Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturns a long-standing precedent called the Chevron deference, is representative of a broader transfer of regulatory power from government agencies to courts.
Working Paper — Jul 15, 2024
Modeling Industrial Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Policies with Plant-Level Data
This paper develops key databases and estimates emissions models for six greenhouse gas emissions–intensive industries.
Common Resources — Jun 20, 2024
We Need to Know More about Who Benefits from Policies that Reduce Traffic Congestion
The idea behind congestion pricing (i.e., applying a toll in high-traffic times or areas) is that vehicle traffic could decline while local revenues accrue—and pay for benefits like public transit improvements. Would congestion pricing benefit everyone?
Working Paper — Jul 15, 2024
Modeling Industrial Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Policies with Plant-Level Data
This paper develops key databases and estimates emissions models for six greenhouse gas emissions–intensive industries.
Carbon Score — Jun 7, 2024
Carbon Scoring: An Initial Baseline
This analysis establishes an initial baseline for RFF’s carbon scoring work, comparing our current central projection, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and more recent policy developments, against a baseline scenario from 2022.
Report — Sep 13, 2023
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Climate Policy: Cleaner Air for Disadvantaged Communities?
This report, produced in partnership with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, examines air quality improvements in two options for implementing New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Testimony and Public Comments — Jul 5, 2023
Comments to EPA on the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicles
To the Environmental Protection Agency on the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
Webinar — Oct 16, 2024
Analyzing Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mitigation
A webinar featuring industry experts discussing models and analysis, alternative policies, energy pricing, and areas of greatest potential industrial emissions mitigation.
Workshop — Jun 12, 2023
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandates Workshop: Research for Effective, Efficient, and Equitable Policy Implementation
An RFF workshop exploring zero-mission vehicle (ZEV) mandates and how they will change the transportation landscape in the United States.
Workshop — Mar 30, 2022
Looking Back: Using Retrospective Analysis to Improve Federal Environmental Regulation
A workshop featuring "ex post" analyses of the benefits and costs of federal environmental regulations
RFF Live — Jan 13, 2023
Plugging In: How Much Will Electric Vehicles Drive Decarbonization?
A conversation on the environmental benefits of plug-in electric vehicles and issues related to policies, markets, and the power sector
Common Resources — Sep 5, 2024
Après Chevron, Judges Rule
The recent US Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturns a long-standing precedent called the Chevron deference, is representative of a broader transfer of regulatory power from government agencies to courts.
Common Resources — Jun 20, 2024
We Need to Know More about Who Benefits from Policies that Reduce Traffic Congestion
The idea behind congestion pricing (i.e., applying a toll in high-traffic times or areas) is that vehicle traffic could decline while local revenues accrue—and pay for benefits like public transit improvements. Would congestion pricing benefit everyone?
Common Resources — May 20, 2024
Advanced Economic Modeling Can Support the Transition to Electric Vehicles
Projections of potential policy impact and the transition to electric vehicles are complicated for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Predicting accurate outcomes may be difficult, but possible, if the models incorporate market dynamics comprehensively.
Common Resources — Apr 17, 2024
After the Pause: Understanding the Economic, Environmental, and Geopolitical Implications of Increased US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
As the Biden administration temporarily pauses approvals for building new export facilities that transport liquefied natural gas, we’ve assembled a primer on the national and global implications of the US increasing exports of this important fuel.
Media Highlight — Jun 13, 2024
Semafor: “Big Oil Group Sues to Block Biden's EV Push”
RFF Senior Fellow Joshua Linn is quoted in an article about electric vehicles’ litigious future.
Press Release — Sep 13, 2023
When Communities Shape Climate Policy, Disadvantaged New Yorkers See Better Air Quality Outcomes
A new report finds that New York’s most vulnerable communities benefit from greater air quality improvements under environmental justice stakeholders’ suite of recommendations.
Press Release — Apr 13, 2023
Updated Tax Policies Could Secure Road Infrastructure Funding While Supporting the Energy Transition
Using the organization’s modeling capabilities, a team of researchers from Resources for the Future (RFF) analyzed several policy options that would maintain America’s roadways while supporting the transition to a cleaner transportation network.
Press Release — Jan 3, 2023
Environmental Benefits of Plug-In Vehicles Depend on Public Policy and Market Forces
A new paper by scholars at Resources for the Future shows how the climate and health benefits of plug-in electric vehicle adoption depend on public policies and market forces.