Energy Film Series Features Duke Experts

The Rational Middle Energy Series, a new collection of short films covering both the current and future state of energy, features Tim Profeta, director of Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. Produced by the creators of the documentary "Haynesville," the films share dialogue from some of the leading energy experts. Profeta is joined by individuals from Rice University, the University of Texas and the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as two other Duke faculty members: Energy Initiative Director Richard Newell and Nicholas School of the Environment Dean Bill Chameides. Additional films are expected to be released this summer.

Report: Coastal Carbon's Role in Policy 

Some federal policies and statutes specifically account for the impacts of ecosystem services, the goods and services provided by nature, in policy implementation. A new report looks at why carbon held in coastal habitats could be labeled an ecosystem service and how this consideration could change the outcome of several existing statutes and policies, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act.

Director Discusses EPA Climate Rules 

Tim Profeta, director of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, was among the panelists in a teleconference focused on the landmark federal court of appeals decision that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can regulate carbon emissions from vehicles and power plants under the Clean Air Act. Listen to the discussion, and read the Nicholas Institute's whitepaper on the rules.

Report Addresses Livestock Emissions

With increasing population and demand for food, particularly dairy and meat, strategies for mitigating livestock's impact on global climate change are urgently needed. A new report by the Technical Working Group on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (T-AGG) at Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions synthesizes fundamental information needed for designing programs to report and mitigate enteric and manure methane emissions from livestock in the United States. 

Clean Air, Technology Focus of Conference

Senior Fellow Rob Brenner recently spoke at the 2012 Technology Market Summit, hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and American University. At the conference he discussed the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solution's Clean Air Act Technology Initiative, which explores cost-effective technologies, policies and regulatory approaches that can be used, in conjunction with the Clean Air Act, to meet air quality goals for multiple pollutants and sources. 

Employees Earn Grant Certification

Two Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions employees have successfully completed Duke University's Research Administration Academy. Kathy Jooss and Kim Wanke finished the rigorous six-month program, centered on providing hands-on training in grant management skills, graduating this spring.