In an attempt to address global changes in climate, the Obama administration plans to use the Clean Air Act to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The first set of proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, aimed at reducing power plants' carbon emissions, is due by Sept. 20. Scholars from the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and Duke Law School will preview the legal, political, environmental and economic implications of upcoming EPA regulations in a webcast conversation at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16. Watch the live "Office Hours" conversation on Duke's YouTube channel. To pose a question to the participants, post it on twitter with the hashtag #dukelive or e-mail it to [email protected].  

Martin Doyle has been appointed director of the Water Policy Program at the Nicholas Institute. Under Doyle's direction, the program, which has historically focused on global water policy, will be refocused on domestic issues such as water management for ecological considerations and the implications of shale gas extraction on water resources.

There is still time to apply for year-long internships at the Nicholas Institute. Submit applications for positions focused on ecological flows, ecosystem services and markets and the economics of climate change by Sept. 6. 

Rob Brenner, senior fellow at the Nicholas Institute, is among the members of a newly formed National Academies committee focused on options for implementing safe offshore oil and gas drilling operations.

In an environment of significant uncertainty about fuel prices, environmental regulations and energy demand growth, traditional utility planning leads to investment decisions that create considerable risks, according to a new paper. The paper describes how minimax regret analysis could supplement current planning techniques, which typically weigh cost. By considering risk across a broad range of scenarios, utilities may avoid regrettable investment decisions and negative effects for ratepayers while better measuring diversity in their portfolio.

In an interactive online discussion sponsored by Open Channels, the Nicholas Institute's Ocean and Coastal Policy Program Director Linwood Pendleton will take audience questions related to marine and coastal ecosystem services starting at 1 p.m. Oct. 2. 

Susan Brooks, administrative coordinator and financial supervisor at the Nicholas Institute, completed Duke University's latest Research Administration Academy. The program, which requires acceptance through a nomination process, provides hands-on training in grant management skills.