CETEP Research

This report evaluates the impacts of government subsidies provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on sales of fuel cell Backup Power (BuP) and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) systems produced by North American firms. The analysis estimates the extent to which these policies increased commercial adoption of…

On a per-capita or per-vehicle-mile-traveled (VMT) basis, Tennessee spends less than almost any other state on its highways and roads. Fuel tax rates are among the lowest in the nation and transportation-related debt is nonexistent. Compared to other states, roadway dollars have been far less plentiful. Nonetheless, in spite of this austerity, Tennessee has planned,…

The Urban Wilderness trail system in South Knoxville is a valuable natural asset that generates local spending and tax revenues, supports jobs, helps Knoxville attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, and helps enhance resident’s quality of life. For purposes of policy, planning, and local pride, it is important for residents to understand the nature…

Rather than favoring specific technologies, the term advanced energy is technology neutral. Any technology that makes energy cleaner, safer, more secure and more efficient is considered advanced energy. Examples include electric and plug-in hybrid cars, lightweight composites for the automotive industry, natural gas fueled trucks, pollution control equipment, bio energy, high-performance buildings, more efficient industrial…

A small number of rural counties in Tennessee rely heavily on resource extraction as a primary driver of economic development. Although this industry has historically created employment opportunities, limited economic diversification has left many of these counties vulnerable to the boom-and-bust cycles characteristic of mineral and energy markets. In northeastern Tennessee, counties with a long…

In the 108th session of the Tennessee General Assembly, legislation was passed directing theHoward H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee and the Sparks Bureauof Business and Economic Research at the University of Memphis to “…perform a study on theeconomic feasibility of creating and utilizing a statewide comprehensive energy plan.…

The proposed rule, known as the Clean Power Plan, establishes a framework for states to regulate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from existing coal-fired, oil-fired, and natural gas-fired power plants. The plan combines mandatory, state-specific carbon emission reduction goals with substantial flexibility, allowing states to determine how best to achieve these reductions. With a few exceptions—primarily…