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VW’s Deepwater Horizon?

Maximilian Auffhammer, professor, international sustainable development | September 21, 2015

Last week one of the biggest environmental scandals since the Deepwater Horizon disaster made its way to somewhere near the bottom of page 11 of most major newspapers. Volkswagen admitted to systematically cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles. This might sound snoozy, until you read up on the details. Vehicles across the U.S. … Continue reading »

The (mostly happy) effects of falling oil prices

Dan Farber, professor of law | January 5, 2015

The rapid fall in oil prices seems to have taken everyone by surprise. I’ve noted before that it puts the viability of the Keystone XL project in doubt.  But its other effects are worth considering. Overall, the fall in prices should have a beneficial effect on the U.S. economy. Since gasoline is cheaper, people can … Continue reading »

Romney vs. Obama: Showdown at the auto CAFE

Dan Farber, professor of law | October 26, 2012

Perhaps lost in the media focus on the Republican convention, the Obama Administration created CAFE standards two months ago.  (CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy, a fancy name for gas-mileage rules.)  Romney immediately attacked the rules.  It’s a very revealing – not to mention acrimonious — dispute. According to the Administration, the new standards … Continue reading »