Raymond J. Kopp
Senior Fellow
Raymond Kopp held PhD and MA degrees in economics and an undergraduate degree in finance. He was a member of the RFF research staff from 1977 to 2024 and held a variety of management positions within the institution.
Kopp's interest in environmental policy began in the late 1970s, when he developed techniques to measure the effect of pollution control regulations on the economic efficiency of steam electric power generation. He then led the first examination of the cost of major U.S. environmental regulations in a full, general equilibrium, dynamic context by using an approach that is now widely accepted as state-of-the-art in cost-benefit analysis.
During his career Kopp specialized in the analysis of environmental and natural resource issues with a focus on Federal regulatory activity. He was an expert in techniques of assigning value to environmental and natural resources that do not have market prices, which is fundamental to cost-benefit analysis and the assessment of damages to natural resources.
Education
- PhD in economics, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1978
- MA in economics, University of Akron, 1973
- BS in finance, University of Akron, 1970
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Common Resources — Aug 26, 2024
Resources for the Future Honors Ray Kopp
In memory of Resources for the Future colleague Raymond J. Kopp, who passed away on August 19, 2024.
Resources Magazine Articles — Jan 23, 2025
Celebrating the Life and Career of Ray Kopp
Ray Kopp started at Resources for the Future in 1977, holding multiple positions at the organization, including fellow, director, and vice president. He passed away in August 2024, which compels colleagues to celebrate Ray’s life from many angles.
Report — Dec 6, 2023
Comparing the European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Clean Competition Act, and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act
This report compares goals and designs of three border adjustment mechanisms: the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Clean Competition Act, and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act.
Press Release — Dec 6, 2023
New Report Compares Recent International Climate and Trade Policies
With the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) putting a spotlight on international climate policy, a new RFF report compares three climate and trade policies and analyzes each one’s unique goals, structures, and international repercussions.
Report — Dec 6, 2023
Comparing the European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Clean Competition Act, and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act
This report compares goals and designs of three border adjustment mechanisms: the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Clean Competition Act, and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act.
Issue Brief — Nov 6, 2023
Foreign Pollution Fee Act: Design Elements, Options, and Policy Decisions
This issue brief breaks down the policy elements of the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, a border adjustment mechanism proposed in the US Senate in November 2023.
Report — Oct 10, 2023
Carbon Border Adjustments: Design Elements, Options, and Policy Decisions
This report identifies key design elements in carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs) and considers options available to policymakers, especially in the United States and European Union.
Issue Brief — Jul 6, 2022
Industrial Decarbonization and Competitiveness: Building a Performance Alliance
In this issue brief, RFF scholars explore the idea of a "performance alliance," in which countries align decarbonization efforts and trade policies with the aim of maintaining competitiveness while limiting leakage.
RFF Live — Nov 11, 2022
Industrial Decarbonization, Border Measures and Climate Clubs
Industrial Decarbonization, Border Measures and Climate Clubs
RFF Live — Sep 22, 2022
The Global Climate Policy Partnership: Decarbonizing Global Manufacturing
At the launch event of the Global Climate Policy Partnership, experts from around the world delve into a crucial component of the climate challenge—the manufacturing sector.
RFF Live — Jun 8, 2022
Decarbonization Policy and International Competitiveness
An event—featuring Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and a panel of experts—breaking down new proposals for border carbon adjustments and the future of decarbonization and trade
RFF Live — Nov 9, 2021
Carbon Border Measures: Policies to Combat Leakage and Encourage Climate Ambition
A panel discussion will explore recent border measure proposals in the European Union and United States
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 4, 2023
Sailing Uncharted Waters: International Trade Becomes an Element of Climate Policy
The European Union has launched its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism as a way of extending its domestic climate policy to the international trade system. But aligning climate policy with international trade comes with complications.
Common Resources — Nov 28, 2022
COP27 in Context
RFF University Fellow Robert N. Stavins spoke with RFF Senior Fellow Raymond J. Kopp about international climate policy and prominent issues at the most recent United Nations conference on climate change.
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 19, 2022
International Climate Policy
Resources for the Future will support the design of policies that maintain international competitiveness, minimize emissions leakage, and encourage ambition as nations decarbonize.
Resources Radio — May 10, 2022
70 Years of RFF: The Legacy of Resources for the Future, with Ray Kopp and Kerry Smith
Ray Kopp and Kerry Smith explore the impact of Resources for the Future over 70 years and reflect on how research has changed through the decades.
Press Release — Dec 6, 2023
New Report Compares Recent International Climate and Trade Policies
With the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) putting a spotlight on international climate policy, a new RFF report compares three climate and trade policies and analyzes each one’s unique goals, structures, and international repercussions.
Press Release — Nov 6, 2023
RFF Scholars Analyze New Bill That Introduces a Fee on High-Carbon Imports
A new RFF analysis provides a detailed, early look at the new policy proposal that could inform US industrial policy in the decades to come.
Press Release — Oct 10, 2023
Reimagining the Connection between International Trade and Climate Policy: What Are the Options?
Following the launch of the European Union’s landmark carbon tariff, a new RFF report dives into the pros, cons, and considerations for similar policies.
Media Highlight — Nov 8, 2022
Harvard University: "On the Table at COP27: A Conversation with Ray Kopp"
In a podcast episode for Harvard University's Environmental Economics Program, RFF Senior Fellow Ray Kopp discusses his expectations for COP27.