Publication: CETEP Economics

This policy brief evaluates how willingness to pay (WTP) for a flood protection system varies with exposure to flood risk, using detailed flood maps and parcel-level data to identify households within and just beyond the 100-year flood plain in New York City. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates the 100-year flood plain as an…

Open space covers more than 93% of Tennessee and provides numerous environmental and recreational benefits that are not directly reflected in market prices. This study examines how different types of open space influence nearby residential property values, offering insight into the economic value of conservation and informing land-use and public investment decisions. Results indicate that…

This study estimates the anticipated economic impacts of the proposed Crab Orchard Wind Farm, developed by Crab Orchard Wind, LLC, on Cumberland County and the state of Tennessee. Using economic impact analysis, the report evaluates the effects of both the construction phase and long-term operations on employment, personal income, gross domestic product (GDP), and state…

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (DOE-OREM) plays a significant role in Tennessee’s economy, particularly within Anderson, Roane, and Knox Counties. This study, conducted by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, evaluates the economic impacts of DOE-OREM’s activities during fiscal year 2014. Economic impacts are measured in…

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (DOE OREM) is evaluating whether to construct a new on-site disposal facility to facilitate continued cleanup activities on the Oak Ridge Reservation. Design, construction and subsequent operation of the new waste disposal facility will have a significant impact on both the regional and state economies.…

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…