Our Research
The negative environmental and health impacts of fracking for oil and gas come with heavy “dollars and cents” costs, ranging from cleaning up contaminated water to repairing ruined roads. The experience of previous fossil fuel booms suggests that many of these costs will wind up being borne by the public. The Costs of Fracking highlights the many ways in which oil and gas production using hydraulic fracturing affects the environment, public health and our communities, and calls for steps to ensure that the oil and gas industry is held financially accountable for the damage it causes.
(September 2012)Global warming is happening now and its effects are being felt in the United States and around the world. Among the expected consequences of global warming is an increase in the heaviest rain and snow storms, fueled by increased evaporation and the ability of a warmer atmosphere to hold more moisture. This report documents that extreme rainstorms and snowstorms became more frequent and produced more total precipitation across much of the contiguous United States over the past 60 years. An increase in extreme downpours has costly ramifications for the United States, with the potential to cause more flooding that jeopardizes property and lives. With scientists predicting even greater increases in extreme precipitation in the years ahead, the United States and the world must take action to reduce pollution that contributes to global warming.
(July 2012)Oregon has vast untapped potential for solar energy. This report shows that solar power can supply 10 percent of Oregon’s electricity and reduce its energy use for water heating by 6 percent by 2025. Taking advantage of the state’s solar energy potential would reduce Oregon’s contribution to global warming and protect its environment. More solar power would also create jobs and boost manufacturing in Oregon. Putting policies in place to accelerate the growth of the solar energy market will allow Oregon to start reaping these benefits immediately.
(July 2012)Massachusetts has leapt to the forefront of the rising solar energy economy. Since 2007, solar energy in Massachusetts has grown 30-fold – from less than 4 megawatts of solar panels to more than 110 megawatts. Massachusetts’ emerging solar leadership is the result of strong public policies designed to make it easier for Bay Staters to “go solar." Massachusetts' Solar Leaders highlights the cities and towns that are leading the Commonwealth in solar photovoltaic installations and showing the way toward a clean energy future.
(July 2012)The rising cost of health care consumes a growing share of household, business and government spending. Research shows that not all increases in health care costs translate into better outcomes for patients. Your Price May Vary reveals the dramatic regional variations in the prices charged for common surgeries in California - variations that may shed light on opportunities for cutting health care costs while maintaining high-quality care.
(July 2012)