Podcast appearances and mentions of sam ori

For well over a decade, researchers have been modeling the cost of state renewable energy mandates.The results break down in predictable ways: conservative and progressive groups often come to very different conclusions based about costs and benefits.An authoritative 2015 report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that compliance costs for state renewables targets only make up 2 percent of retail rates in most U.S. states.After a lull, the debate over the cost of renewable energy targets is re-emerging. A new working paper from economists at the University of Chicago concludes that mandates are the most expensive way to reduce carbon pollution — and that they are much bigger drivers of rate increases than previously thought.Many researchers are pushing back on the economists’ modeling of electricity rates. But it’s worth revisiting this debate, since renewables and carbon-free energy targets are used as placeholders for more ambitious climate policy.In this week’s podcast, we’re discussing the findings of this study, the criticism, and how it fits into current trends U.S. in energy policy.Then, Rivian continues to bring in money for electric trucks. What do Amazon and Ford see in the company? Are trucks the next big target for electrification?Finally, a brief look at 5G networks. They could revolutionize energy services, but they’re also fraught with geopolitical and cybersecurity risk. Will the benefits outweigh the risk?Recommended reading:Twitter threads from Jesse Jenkins, Alex Gilbert, Jacob Mays, and Sam Ori.University of Chicago working paperNew York Times: Ford to Invest $500 Million in Rivian, a Tesla RivalNew Yorker: The Terrifying Potential of the 5G NetworkSupport for this podcast comes from PG&E. Did you know that 20 percent of EV drivers in the U.S. are in PG&E’s service area in Northern California? PG&E is helping to electrify corporate fleet vehicles. Get in touch with PG&E’s EV specialists to find out how you can take your transportation fleet electric.We're also sponsored by Wunder Capital. Wunder Capital is the leading commercial solar financing company in the United States. Click here to find out how Wunder Capital can help you finance your next commercial solar project.Subscribe to The Interchange podcast via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you find your audio content. Or integrate our RSS feed into the app of your choice.

In just over a month, California voters will decide whether to repeal a recent 12 cents/gallon gasoline tax increase and prevent state lawmakers from increasing gas taxes in the future. The potential change could have a major impact on California’s 43 millions gal/d gasoline market. Sam Ori,...

The common wisdom in oil circles used to be that as oil prices collapsed so would shale oil production. To date, that hasn’t happened. U.S. shale has been incredibly, unexpectedly, resilient, with major implications for everything from oil prices and transportation technology to climate change and geopolitics. With oil prices again flirting with $50 a barrel, many observers are asking is this the new normal? Has the industry been completely reshaped? And, what’s the long-term outlook for shale? Off the Charts host Sam Ori gets the answers from Thom Covert, assistant professor at the Booth School of Business.

Carbon emissions are down 30 percent thanks in large part to an increased use of natural gas and a near doubling of renewable generation. But amid these positive developments has emerged an unexpected casualty: America’s fleet of nuclear power plants. Plant owners are threatening to shut down unless they receive subsidies. And last week, New York agreed to provide these subsidies. Was it the right decision? And if not, what’s the path forward? EPIC’s Sam Ori talks with Steve Cicala, assistant professor at the Harris School of Public Policy.

The U.S. is in the midst of a major heat wave. The heat index has topped 100 degrees F for much of the country for the past week. And the U.S. is not alone. Record temperatures are being recorded in India and Southeast Asia. Bottom line: The world is well on its way to a record-shattering year for global temperature. This is more than just a meteorological marvel. High temperatures have implications for everything from human health to labor productivity to crime. And, these effects may be set to worsen with climate change. In fact, future temperature in some U.S. states could rival or surpass those of Mexico, India and Sudan today. What would that look like and how should we prepare? EPIC’s Sam Ori talks with Postdoctoral Scholar Amir Jina.

A new technical report on US fuel efficiency targets says the vehicle fleet may fall short of a goal of 54.5 miles per gallon. Senior editor Brian Scheid parses the key points of the report and talks with Sam Ori, executive director at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago,...

For decades, electricity generation has been thought of as a local issue. But this antiquated view is holding back the nation's transition to clean energy. Steve Cicala, from the Harris School of Public Policy, explains why in a discussion with host Sam Ori. Read Steve's piece in Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ucenergy/2016/05/12/how-going-local-is-hamstringing-the-clean-energy-transition/#1824f8793a27 (Beginning soundbite contains clips from CNN and BBC.)