Research Reports
ELI publishes Research Reports available for free download that present the analysis and conclusions of the policy studies ELI undertakes to improve environmental law and policy. These reports contribute to education of the profession and disseminate diverse points of view and opinions to stimulate a robust and creative exchange of ideas. Those publications, which express opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Institute, its Board of Directors, or funding organizations, exemplify ELI’s commitment to dialogue with all sectors.
May 2001
This paper analyzes benefits and costs of reducing by half the use of coal for electric generation in the United States by the year 2010, making use of the Haiku electricity market model developed and maintained at Resources for the Future. The analysis indicates that the coal generation would be replaced by generation from modern power technologies such as natural gas turbines, together with a small contribution by wind power and other sources.
Read More >March 2001
The loss of New York''s natural heritage is caused, in part, by direct threats which include ill-planned development, land use and land management. Thus decision makers - from state and local government, private industry, and conservation organizations - must become better informed on how to incorporate biodiversity information into their activities and how to assess the potential effects of their decisions on biodiversity in the State. Without such biodiversity knowledge, decisions cannot effectively protect the State''s natural resources even where a decision maker desires to do so. Read More >
February 2001
Smart growth tools can be useful for small towns and rural communities as well as for major metropolitan areas and rapidly growing localities. States and localities across the country are crafting growth management tools to meet their needs. In most cases, rapidly growing localities and metropolitan areas have felt the strongest need to guide their growth by taking advantage of smart growth tools. Yet, as states put frameworks for smart growth in place, all communities can benefit from regulations and incentives that help them take charge of their future development.
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January 2001
The United States now faces a biodiversity crisis of historic proportions. It is estimated that "one-third of the native U.S. flora and fauna is considered to be of conservation concern." States are currently facing unprecedented habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation due to sprawl development, agriculture, and other land modifications. Many states are also being confronted with contentious Endangered Species Act battles. However, few, if any, federal laws or programs address protection of the broader array of plants, animals, and ecosystems before they become imperiled.
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December 2000
This Workbook will help community leaders, local organizers, and citizens groups assess environmental health problems in their neighborhoods and assist them in tackling these problems. It outlines an approach to identifying problems, gathering information, and establishing the community`s priorities for improving the environmental health of its residents. Examples for Washington, D.C. serve as illustrations and possible examples. Residents of other cities and localities can find equivalent resources and data within their own communities.
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