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Energy & Our Environment Center

ABOUT THE CENTER

The Energy & Our Environment Center at Common Sense Institute is dedicated to exploring the intersection of energy policy, environmental stewardship, and economic growth. Our center conducts rigorous, data-driven research to inform and shape policies that balance the need for reliable, affordable energy with the imperative of protecting our natural resources.

We focus on developing pragmatic, market-based solutions that support innovation, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a sustainable energy future. By analyzing the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory frameworks, we provide valuable insights that help policymakers, industry leaders, and the public navigate the complex challenges of energy production and environmental conservation.

Our work is guided by the belief that a thriving economy and a healthy environment can coexist. Through collaborative efforts, public engagement, and evidence-based recommendations, the Energy & Our Environment Center aims to contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Research
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Energy & Our Environment
Arizona's Energy Competitiveness Index

Historically, electricity in Arizona has come at an affordable price which has added to the state’s attractiveness for both businesses and households alike.

Energy & Our Environment
Iowa Energy Competitiveness Index

From 2011 to 2023, Iowa’s Energy Competitiveness Index rank improved from 15th to 4th best in the nation.

Energy & Our Environment
Colorado’s Energy Competitiveness

Colorado is a major oil and gas producing state, producing nearly half a million barrels of oil per day and over 5 Billion Cubic Feet per day of natural gas.

Energy & Our Environment
Oregon's Energy Competitiveness Index

Aside from its reliance on the coastal refinery network, Oregon has traditionally had access to relatively affordable and reliable energy sources.

July 25, 2024 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.
Energy & Our Environment
Impact of SB24-159 on the Economy, Revenue, and Emissions

This analysis details the impacts across the economy, public revenue, and GHG emissions, resulting from an oil and gas permitting ban outlined in SB24-159.

March 13, 2024 Trisha CurtisChris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
AZ Energized: The Future of Power in Arizona

A national and even global transition away from coal and towards wind, solar and natural gas generation is occurring; the policy question for states like Arizona is how to conduct this change in a way that

December 13, 2023 Glenn Farley
Energy & Our Environment
CSI Energy Competitiveness Index

The Colorado Competitiveness Energy Index is based on 10 state-level, sector-specific data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

October 19, 2023 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
A Vision and Framework for Colorado’s Energy Future

In an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. Colorado has an opportunity to be a leader and national role model: a blue st

October 19, 2023 Doug Benevento
Energy & Our Environment
New Energy Laws & Regulations

Between the 2019 and 2022 Colorado Legislative sessions, over 55 pieces of legislation passed that were aimed at complying with climate objectives.

March 06, 2023 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Adapting Colorado’s Water Systems

Background information and recommendations to meet challenges facing Colorado’s water supply at the state and local level.

November 01, 2022 Eric Kuhn
Energy & Our Environment
The Uncertain Future Cost of Colorado’s Energy and Housing

Housing affordability remains a top issue facing Coloradans. With rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and complex land-use regulations, the outlook for housing development in th

June 20, 2022
Energy & Our Environment
Colorado Faces Barriers to Meeting Goals

Governor Polis has declared that Colorado will rely on 100% renewable electricity by 2040, a goal that surpasses even that of President Biden, although achieving such targets will not come without economic

March 29, 2022
Energy & Our Environment
Understanding Costs and Impacts of Energy Performance Mandates

The Common Sense Institute analyzes the late February 2021 commercial building owners survey and provide suggestions on several costs to study further to better understand the impacts of forced electrificat

March 04, 2021 Chris BrownErik Gamm
Energy & Our Environment
Denver to Reduce Greenhouse Gas

If you live in Denver, your sales taxes are set to increase on January 1st. $40,000,000 will be to fund yet to be identified projects to address climate change and emission reductions.

December 15, 2020 Chris BrownErik Gamm
Energy & Our Environment
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

Common Sense Institute examines the economic impacts of just one of the recommended new rule changes from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation: State-determined wildlife habitats.

November 13, 2020 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Economic Impacts of Oil and Gas Setback Ballot Measures

This report examines the projections of past oil and gas setback studies and how they can be applied to future analysis in response to 2020 ballot measures.

May 20, 2020 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
The Local Revenue Impacts of Near-Term Oil and Gas Development

In this analysis, CSPR explores the potential property tax revenues from proposed near-term oil and natural gas development in Colorado.

November 12, 2019 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Colorado Emissions Reduction Calculator

Test alternative ways to comply with Colorado’s new greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions targets.

May 31, 2019 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Senate Bill 181

The Statewide Cost of Prohibitions, Restrictions and Regulatory Uncertainty in Colorado’s Energy Sector

March 12, 2019 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Fiscal Impacts of Proposition 112

The Economic and fiscal impacts of 2018 Proposition 112. Increasing the oil and gas setback requirement to 2,500 feet in Colorado.

July 27, 2018 Chris Brown
Energy & Our Environment
Economic Assessment of 2,500-Foot Oil and Gas Setback Proposal

Technology and prices have led to the following observations about Colorado oil and gas industry…

July 14, 2016
Energy & Our Environment
2,000-foot oil and gas setbacks could cost Colorado up to $11 billion in GDP a year and 62,000 jobs

A 2,000-foot statewide setback for oil and gas wells could result in slower economic growth for Colorado’s economy and state revenue…

January 21, 2016
Energy & Our Environment
Colorado Oil and Gas Industry

Low Colorado oil and gas prices to have cascading effect on state production and revenues

August 21, 2015
Energy & Our Environment
Fracking: Fear vs. Fact

July 15, 2014