Nicholas Roy
Research Associate
Nicholas Roy is a research associate at RFF working on US national and state climate policy. At the federal level, Roy utilized the Haiku simulation model to analyze the impacts of clean energy tax credits, renewable energy standards, and emissions pricing on the power sector. His analysis has informed the legislative negotiations for Build Back Better which ultimately resulted in the Inflation Reduction Act. At the subnational level, he has developed a model for evaluating market design mechanisms in emissions trading systems. This has informed Washington state and California's regulatory agencies on how to improve market efficiency, equity, program revenues, and carbon dioxide removal incentives.
Prior to joining RFF as an analyst in 2020, he interned on a project investigating the adoption of fuel efficiency devices on heavy duty vehicle trailers. Between the two positions, he researched port drayage disruptions at the Center for International Trade and Transportation. Nick graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BA in economics, a BS in applied mathematics, and a minor in philosophy.
Education
- BS in applied mathematics, California State University Long Beach, 2020
- BA in mathematical economics and economic theory, California State University Long Beach, 2020
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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.
Journal Article — Aug 27, 2024
Leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act to Achieve 80x30 in the US Electricity Sector
This paper examines the consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act and of policies designed to hit the Paris target for generation mix, consumer costs of electricity, the federal budget, air quality, and human health.
Testimony and Public Comments — Jul 31, 2024
Comments on Potential Amendments to California’s Cap-and-Trade Regulation
This comment to the California Air Resources Board analyzes proposed changes to the state's cap-and-trade program.
Issue Brief — Jul 31, 2024
Same Emissions Budget, Different Program Revenues: Revenue Implications from California Cap-and-Trade Amendments
This issue brief analyzes three cap-and-trade budgets proposed by the California Air Resources Board.
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.
Journal Article — Aug 27, 2024
Leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act to Achieve 80x30 in the US Electricity Sector
This paper examines the consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act and of policies designed to hit the Paris target for generation mix, consumer costs of electricity, the federal budget, air quality, and human health.
Testimony and Public Comments — Jul 31, 2024
Comments on Potential Amendments to California’s Cap-and-Trade Regulation
This comment to the California Air Resources Board analyzes proposed changes to the state's cap-and-trade program.
Issue Brief — Jul 31, 2024
Same Emissions Budget, Different Program Revenues: Revenue Implications from California Cap-and-Trade Amendments
This issue brief analyzes three cap-and-trade budgets proposed by the California Air Resources Board.
Resources Magazine — Jan 11, 2024
How Much Will the Inflation Reduction Act Reduce Emissions?
Maya Domeshek and Nicholas Roy discuss projected reductions in carbon emissions that the Inflation Reduction Act could achieve for the energy sector.
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and Improvements in Local Air Quality
Although sometimes at odds, economic efficiency and environmental justice can coexist in effective, viable climate policy. Thoughtful policy design can help ensure that environmental benefits accrue in communities that need them the most.
Common Resources — Aug 21, 2023
What Have We Learned About the Inflation Reduction Act, One Year After the Law’s Passage?
On the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, researchers at Resources for the Future share insights on the progress and potential of the law’s climate provisions.
Resources Radio — Aug 8, 2023
How Much Will the Inflation Reduction Act Reduce Emissions?, with Maya Domeshek and Nicholas Roy
Maya Domeshek and Nicholas Roy discuss projected reductions in carbon emissions that the Inflation Reduction Act could achieve for the energy sector.
Media Highlight — Jun 4, 2024
E&E News: “Tightening Cap and Trade in California Will Help Climate, Group Says”
This story details the findings of a new RFF report in the context of California's evolving cap-and-trade program.
Press Release — May 30, 2024
Addressing Uncertainty is Key to the Success of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program
In a new report, RFF scholars examine how some suggested—and alternative—reforms to California’s cap-and-trade program could affect greenhouse gas emissions, government revenue, allowance banking, and the price that emitters pay for emission allowances.
Press Release — Nov 9, 2023
Adding an Emissions Cap to the Inflation Reduction Act Could Create More Cost-Effective, Certain Emissions Reductions
New RFF modeling shows that a federal cap on power-sector emissions could carry the United States to its power-sector emissions goal, and that such a cap would be less expensive for emitters and households than it would have been otherwise.
Media Highlight — Oct 13, 2022
Washington Post: "States Will Play Key Role in Implementing Climate Law"
A newsletter analysis of a new Energy Innovation paper mentions related research conducted by RFF on the Inflation Reduction Act's effects on the economy and the environment.