Kyle Meng
@kylemeng.com
Professor at UCSB Bren School and Econ Dept. Climate and Energy Director at emLab. Former White House CEA Senior Climate Economist. Associate at @nber.org @csis.org. Board member @ucsusa.bsky.social. Personal views. www.kylemeng.com
My commentary for @csis.org on the U.S. Clean Competition Act.
It covers where CCA situates in the geopolitical/climate landscape and our @emlab.ucsb.edu modeling of CCA's U.S. & global economic and climate impacts.
emLab policy brief: linkly.link/2YlqQ
emLab executive summary: linkly.link/2YlqB
It covers where CCA situates in the geopolitical/climate landscape and our @emlab.ucsb.edu modeling of CCA's U.S. & global economic and climate impacts.
emLab policy brief: linkly.link/2YlqQ
emLab executive summary: linkly.link/2YlqB
Can the 2025 Clean Competition Act Cut Global Emissions and Maintain U.S. Competitiveness?
The 2025 U.S. Clean Competition Act addresses the twin challenges of maintaining U.S. industrial competitiveness and accelerating industrial decarbonization by pairing a domestic performance fee with ...
www.csis.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:37 PM
My commentary for @csis.org on the U.S. Clean Competition Act.
It covers where CCA situates in the geopolitical/climate landscape and our @emlab.ucsb.edu modeling of CCA's U.S. & global economic and climate impacts.
emLab policy brief: linkly.link/2YlqQ
emLab executive summary: linkly.link/2YlqB
It covers where CCA situates in the geopolitical/climate landscape and our @emlab.ucsb.edu modeling of CCA's U.S. & global economic and climate impacts.
emLab policy brief: linkly.link/2YlqQ
emLab executive summary: linkly.link/2YlqB
In our geopolitical turmoil, here’s an example where trade can constructively advance U.S. & global interests.
Last month, Congress introduced the Clean Competition Act to further decarbonization & maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Today, we at @emlab.ucsb.edu release modeling of CCA impacts. 1/
Last month, Congress introduced the Clean Competition Act to further decarbonization & maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Today, we at @emlab.ucsb.edu release modeling of CCA impacts. 1/
https://linkly.link/2YlqQ
linkly.link
January 21, 2026 at 2:37 PM
In our geopolitical turmoil, here’s an example where trade can constructively advance U.S. & global interests.
Last month, Congress introduced the Clean Competition Act to further decarbonization & maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Today, we at @emlab.ucsb.edu release modeling of CCA impacts. 1/
Last month, Congress introduced the Clean Competition Act to further decarbonization & maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Today, we at @emlab.ucsb.edu release modeling of CCA impacts. 1/
If you you miss reading a proper cost-benefit analysis of environmental policy, one that fully accounts for costs AND benefits, here's California CARB's proposed GHG cap-and-invest regulations, dropped at noon.
No "we won't value public health benefits just because they're uncertain" shenanigans.
No "we won't value public health benefits just because they're uncertain" shenanigans.
Cap-and-Invest Regulation | California Air Resources Board
Proposed 2026 Amendments to the Cap-and-Invest (formerly Cap-and-Trade) Regulation The preliminary documents posted below have been submitted to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and may be modif...
ww2.arb.ca.gov
January 13, 2026 at 9:28 PM
If you you miss reading a proper cost-benefit analysis of environmental policy, one that fully accounts for costs AND benefits, here's California CARB's proposed GHG cap-and-invest regulations, dropped at noon.
No "we won't value public health benefits just because they're uncertain" shenanigans.
No "we won't value public health benefits just because they're uncertain" shenanigans.
Human health benefits are by far the largest benefit from most environmental regulations.
By not monetizing these benefits moving forward, the Trump EPA is essentially saying there are no human health benefits to reducing air/toxic/climate pollution, improving drinking water quality, etc. 1/
By not monetizing these benefits moving forward, the Trump EPA is essentially saying there are no human health benefits to reducing air/toxic/climate pollution, improving drinking water quality, etc. 1/
E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Human health benefits are by far the largest benefit from most environmental regulations.
By not monetizing these benefits moving forward, the Trump EPA is essentially saying there are no human health benefits to reducing air/toxic/climate pollution, improving drinking water quality, etc. 1/
By not monetizing these benefits moving forward, the Trump EPA is essentially saying there are no human health benefits to reducing air/toxic/climate pollution, improving drinking water quality, etc. 1/
Sen. Whitehouse, Rep. DelBene, & co-sponsors just introduced a revamped Clean Competition Act (CCA).
CCA is the most ambitious & meticulously crafted climate policy from this Congress. It lays a marker for what US policy looks like in this era of geopolitical competition. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
CCA is the most ambitious & meticulously crafted climate policy from this Congress. It lays a marker for what US policy looks like in this era of geopolitical competition. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
Whitehouse, DelBene Reintroduce Carbon Border Adjustment to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change
Clean Competition Act bolsters American companies’ competitiveness and cuts emissions at home and abroad
Washington, D.C. - Senator Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on E...
www.epw.senate.gov
December 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Sen. Whitehouse, Rep. DelBene, & co-sponsors just introduced a revamped Clean Competition Act (CCA).
CCA is the most ambitious & meticulously crafted climate policy from this Congress. It lays a marker for what US policy looks like in this era of geopolitical competition. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
CCA is the most ambitious & meticulously crafted climate policy from this Congress. It lays a marker for what US policy looks like in this era of geopolitical competition. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
Our "Dodging Day Zero" paper is out in JEEA. We uncover how Cape Town avoided 2017's catastrophic drought. But in doing so, created longer term sustainability challenges and weakened the fiscal viability of public water. A lesson for the 1B living in drought vulnerable cities.
#climatesky #econsky
#climatesky #econsky
Forthcoming article "Dodging Day Zero: Drought, Adaptation, and Inequality in Cape Town" by Alexander Abajian, Cassandra Cole, B Kelsey Jack, @kylemeng.com and Martine Visser
@eeanews.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/jeea...
@eeanews.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/jeea...
Dodging Day Zero: Drought, Adaptation, and Inequality in Cape Town
Abstract. A near-catastrophic drought in Cape Town, South Africa, illustrates three implications of climate change for publicly provided utility services.
doi.org
December 17, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Our "Dodging Day Zero" paper is out in JEEA. We uncover how Cape Town avoided 2017's catastrophic drought. But in doing so, created longer term sustainability challenges and weakened the fiscal viability of public water. A lesson for the 1B living in drought vulnerable cities.
#climatesky #econsky
#climatesky #econsky
Our PhD job market candidates continues UCSB’s proud tradition in environmental and resource economics.
Here are our students on the market this year (in alphabetical order).
#econsky
Here are our students on the market this year (in alphabetical order).
#econsky
November 17, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Our PhD job market candidates continues UCSB’s proud tradition in environmental and resource economics.
Here are our students on the market this year (in alphabetical order).
#econsky
Here are our students on the market this year (in alphabetical order).
#econsky
Governor Newsom just reauthorized California’s centerpiece climate policy - cap and invest - for the next two decades, reducing pollution and electricity prices in the world’s 4th biggest economy. This is now the US’ most important climate policy.
September 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Governor Newsom just reauthorized California’s centerpiece climate policy - cap and invest - for the next two decades, reducing pollution and electricity prices in the world’s 4th biggest economy. This is now the US’ most important climate policy.
California Assembly and Senate just passed AB 1207, extending and strengthening the state’s centerpiece climate policy - cap and invest- for the next 20 years. Now onto the governor’s signature!
#climatesky #energysky
#climatesky #energysky
September 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
California Assembly and Senate just passed AB 1207, extending and strengthening the state’s centerpiece climate policy - cap and invest- for the next 20 years. Now onto the governor’s signature!
#climatesky #energysky
#climatesky #energysky
US EPA proposes end to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting reut.rs/3JYUgq4
US EPA proposes end to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed on Friday a rule to end a mandatory program requiring 8,000 facilities to report their greenhouse gas emissions - an effort the agency said was burdensome to business, but which leaves the public without transparency around the environmental impact of those sources.
reut.rs
September 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Dr. Kyle Meng, UC Santa Barbara: “This is the most important U.S. climate policy for the foreseeable future. These bills send a signal that California is doubling down on its climate commitments for the next two decades with a practical approach that meets both climate and affordability goals.”
What they’re saying: Overwhelming support for historic climate and energy affordability legislation | Governor of California
www.gov.ca.gov
September 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Dr. Kyle Meng, UC Santa Barbara: “This is the most important U.S. climate policy for the foreseeable future. These bills send a signal that California is doubling down on its climate commitments for the next two decades with a practical approach that meets both climate and affordability goals.”
Reposted by Kyle Meng
Hey, #EconSky! Got a policy-relevant paper that you want folks in DC to see? Present & publish it with NBER's Environmental and Energy Policy and the Economy.
Submission deadline is Oct 20.
Conference is in DC on May 21, 2026.
More details below.
conference.nber.org/confsubmit/b...
Submission deadline is Oct 20.
Conference is in DC on May 21, 2026.
More details below.
conference.nber.org/confsubmit/b...
Submission: 8th Annual NBER Environmental and Energy Policy and the Economy Conference, Page 1 of 2 - MyNBER
conference.nber.org
September 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Hey, #EconSky! Got a policy-relevant paper that you want folks in DC to see? Present & publish it with NBER's Environmental and Energy Policy and the Economy.
Submission deadline is Oct 20.
Conference is in DC on May 21, 2026.
More details below.
conference.nber.org/confsubmit/b...
Submission deadline is Oct 20.
Conference is in DC on May 21, 2026.
More details below.
conference.nber.org/confsubmit/b...
Today marks a major development in U.S. climate policy.
Gov. Newsom, the CA Assembly & Senate just released the final cap-and-trade—now called cap-and-invest—reauthorization bill: AB 1207. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
Gov. Newsom, the CA Assembly & Senate just released the final cap-and-trade—now called cap-and-invest—reauthorization bill: AB 1207. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
September 10, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Today marks a major development in U.S. climate policy.
Gov. Newsom, the CA Assembly & Senate just released the final cap-and-trade—now called cap-and-invest—reauthorization bill: AB 1207. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
Gov. Newsom, the CA Assembly & Senate just released the final cap-and-trade—now called cap-and-invest—reauthorization bill: AB 1207. 1/
#climatesky #energysky
California has a little over 24 hrs to release legislative language on cap & trade reauthorization.
Hard to imagine the most significant U.S climate policy in the foreseeable future with such stakeholder and political support is cutting it this close.
#climatesky #energysky
Hard to imagine the most significant U.S climate policy in the foreseeable future with such stakeholder and political support is cutting it this close.
#climatesky #energysky
September 9, 2025 at 4:01 AM
California has a little over 24 hrs to release legislative language on cap & trade reauthorization.
Hard to imagine the most significant U.S climate policy in the foreseeable future with such stakeholder and political support is cutting it this close.
#climatesky #energysky
Hard to imagine the most significant U.S climate policy in the foreseeable future with such stakeholder and political support is cutting it this close.
#climatesky #energysky
Reposted by Kyle Meng
I'm hiring predocs to work with me on econ policy research projects starting in Summer 2026. Topics include healthcare, consumer finance, energy markets, housing, and childcare.
You'll be part of an awesome community of @siepr.bsky.social predocs.
Details here:
siepr.stanford.edu/programs/sie...
You'll be part of an awesome community of @siepr.bsky.social predocs.
Details here:
siepr.stanford.edu/programs/sie...
September 9, 2025 at 3:04 AM
I'm hiring predocs to work with me on econ policy research projects starting in Summer 2026. Topics include healthcare, consumer finance, energy markets, housing, and childcare.
You'll be part of an awesome community of @siepr.bsky.social predocs.
Details here:
siepr.stanford.edu/programs/sie...
You'll be part of an awesome community of @siepr.bsky.social predocs.
Details here:
siepr.stanford.edu/programs/sie...
Reposted by Kyle Meng
Our comment on the DOE CWG report is done. It tips the scales at 439 pages, approx. 3x longer than the DOE report.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
August 28, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Our comment on the DOE CWG report is done. It tips the scales at 439 pages, approx. 3x longer than the DOE report.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
Recent CA Assembly movement in cap-and-trade bill may have propped up permit prices in today's CARB auction.
But CA still losing revenue from C&T uncertainty: today's revenue could have been ~$300M more under last year's prices.
CA policymakers need to reauthorize C&T.
#energysky #climatesky
But CA still losing revenue from C&T uncertainty: today's revenue could have been ~$300M more under last year's prices.
CA policymakers need to reauthorize C&T.
#energysky #climatesky
Press Release: Sluggish Auction Results — Market Still Waiting for Leadership to Recommit to California’s Cap and Trade Program — Clean and Prosperous California
CAP California Press Release on August 2025 Auction Results
www.cleanprosperousca.org
August 27, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Recent CA Assembly movement in cap-and-trade bill may have propped up permit prices in today's CARB auction.
But CA still losing revenue from C&T uncertainty: today's revenue could have been ~$300M more under last year's prices.
CA policymakers need to reauthorize C&T.
#energysky #climatesky
But CA still losing revenue from C&T uncertainty: today's revenue could have been ~$300M more under last year's prices.
CA policymakers need to reauthorize C&T.
#energysky #climatesky
The most important U.S. climate legislation over the next few years is out!
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
www.politico.com
August 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The most important U.S. climate legislation over the next few years is out!
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
www.politico.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The most important U.S. climate legislation over the next few years is out!
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
ASM Irwin's draft California Assembly Bill 1207 reauthorizes California's ground breaking GHG cap-and-trade (C&T) program.
Here are 5 key takeaways from AB 1207 1/
"As flaccid as a boned fish, Donald Trump crumpled quicker than even Vladimir Putin probably anticipated...The president’s thunderous demands — a 50-day deadline, a 10-day deadline, “severe consequences,” a ceasefire before negotiations — all were just noise."
Opinion | Now it is the Old World’s turn to rescue the United States
As Trump met with European leaders on Ukraine, Churchill’s words from days long ago came to mind.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:42 AM
"As flaccid as a boned fish, Donald Trump crumpled quicker than even Vladimir Putin probably anticipated...The president’s thunderous demands — a 50-day deadline, a 10-day deadline, “severe consequences,” a ceasefire before negotiations — all were just noise."
Reposted by Kyle Meng
"To avoid long-term geopolitical consequences, the United States must reassert its clean energy leadership or risk marginalizing itself from the future economic and geopolitical opportunities of global value chains."
Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/us-...
Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/us-...
August 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"To avoid long-term geopolitical consequences, the United States must reassert its clean energy leadership or risk marginalizing itself from the future economic and geopolitical opportunities of global value chains."
Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/us-...
Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/us-...
Reposted by Kyle Meng
📬 Registration is now open for the 22nd Occasional Workshop in Environmental and Resource Economics! Join us in beautiful Santa Barbara, October 24–25, 2025!
👉 Full list of speakers: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/program.html
👉 Register here: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/registration...
👉 Full list of speakers: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/program.html
👉 Register here: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/registration...
August 15, 2025 at 9:13 PM
📬 Registration is now open for the 22nd Occasional Workshop in Environmental and Resource Economics! Join us in beautiful Santa Barbara, October 24–25, 2025!
👉 Full list of speakers: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/program.html
👉 Register here: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/registration...
👉 Full list of speakers: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/program.html
👉 Register here: occasionalworkshop.weebly.com/registration...
This made my day.
It's mid-August and the California ISO grid is using 25% less fossil gas in 2025 than from Jan 1-Aug 13, 2024 & 42% less than from Jan 1-August 13, 2023.
WWS has supplied 57.5% of all demand in 2025 v 52.4% in 2024 and 48.3% in 2023
At this pace, CAISO will be 100% WWS 24/7/365 by 2033!
WWS has supplied 57.5% of all demand in 2025 v 52.4% in 2024 and 48.3% in 2023
At this pace, CAISO will be 100% WWS 24/7/365 by 2033!
August 15, 2025 at 2:40 AM
This made my day.
Reposted by Kyle Meng
America’s lowest-paid workers are suffering a sharper slowdown in wage growth than their richer peers, adding to the pressure on Donald Trump over inequality https://on.ft.com/3UbHZ3u
August 4, 2025 at 3:35 AM
America’s lowest-paid workers are suffering a sharper slowdown in wage growth than their richer peers, adding to the pressure on Donald Trump over inequality https://on.ft.com/3UbHZ3u