Michael A. Toman
Senior Fellow
Michael A. Toman is a senior fellow who worked at Resources for the Future from 1978–2003 and returned from 2021–2024; he now serves as a consultant. In between stints at RFF, Mike worked at the World Bank Development Research Group, RAND Corporation, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Toman also served as a senior staff economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers from 1994–1996. His current research interests include critical minerals for decarbonization, carbon dioxide removals, markets for emission reduction credits, and climate change policies in developing countries. Toman has a BA from Indiana University, an MSc in applied mathematics from Brown University, and MA and PhD degrees in economics from the University of Rochester.
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Working Paper — Nov 19, 2024
Alternative Fuels for Reducing the Contribution of Aviation to Climate Change
In this working paper, the authors explore how the aviation industry can mitigate its climate change impact through the adoption of alternative fuels.
Common Resources — Nov 19, 2024
Supporting Policies for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Key Areas for Further Research
Although policies that require the aviation sector to reduce emissions already are in place, the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is still in early stages. What research questions can help support the industry’s development?
Working Paper — Oct 22, 2024
Developing a Carbon Dioxide Removal Program in California
In this working paper, the authors explore the design and policy challenges of developing a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) program in California, offering insights on scaling CDR technologies while ensuring environmental justice.
Working Paper — Sep 16, 2024
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
Working Paper — Nov 19, 2024
Alternative Fuels for Reducing the Contribution of Aviation to Climate Change
In this working paper, the authors explore how the aviation industry can mitigate its climate change impact through the adoption of alternative fuels.
Working Paper — Oct 22, 2024
Developing a Carbon Dioxide Removal Program in California
In this working paper, the authors explore the design and policy challenges of developing a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) program in California, offering insights on scaling CDR technologies while ensuring environmental justice.
Working Paper — Sep 16, 2024
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
Issue Brief — May 9, 2024
The Policy Landscape for Agricultural Bioenergy
This issue brief, the last in a series on agriculture greenhouse gas emissions policy, offers an introduction to bioenergy and relevant federal agricultural and nonagricultural policy.
Common Resources — Nov 19, 2024
Supporting Policies for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Key Areas for Further Research
Although policies that require the aviation sector to reduce emissions already are in place, the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is still in early stages. What research questions can help support the industry’s development?
Common Resources — Mar 7, 2024
Critical Minerals for Electric Vehicles: What You Need to Know
A primer on the importance of critical minerals for electric vehicles and concerns about their availability and cost.
Common Resources — Aug 30, 2023
Critical Minerals: Insights from a Recent Workshop
Insights for how the United States can approach secure and affordable access to the critical minerals that are needed for electric vehicle production, from a recent workshop held at Resources for the Future.
Common Resources — Mar 13, 2023
Remembering Milton Russell
Milton Russell, a Resources for the Future senior fellow and research director from 1972 to 1983, died last month. His colleagues describe him as “a giant in our field and in RFF’s legacy,” and his insights continue to inform modern energy policy.
Press Release — Dec 12, 2023
Reliability of the Critical Minerals Supply Chain is Dependent on International Cooperation
A new report lays out the challenges and policy options associated with sourcing and processing these critical minerals.
Media Highlight — Mar 23, 2023
E&E News: "EVs, Mineral Deals Loom Large as Biden Heads to Canada"
RFF Senior Fellow Mike Toman is quoted several times in this article that highlights the United States' relationship with Canada in sourcing critical minerals.
Media Highlight — Jan 30, 2023
CQ Roll Call: "With EV Batteries in Demand, Some in GOP Say 'No' to China"
Senior Fellow Mike Toman is quoted extensively in a widely syndicated article about growing calls for domestic battery production.
Press Release — Dec 14, 2022
To Reduce Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions, A New Study Recommends Strengthening Farmer Incentives and Emissions Measurement
To Reduce Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions, A New Study Recommends Strengthening Farmer Incentives and Emissions Measurement