Policy Analysis

High Costs and Few Benefits from California’s Proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit

This credit would reduce road funding, raise gasoline and diesel prices, and deliver small and expensive carbon emissions reductions.

Feb 23 • Aaron Smith

California now allows more ethanol in gasoline — is this going to save drivers money?

Californians pay the highest gasoline prices in the United States, a fact that has grown more politically salient amid rising affordability concerns.

Dec 8, 2025 • Aaron Smith

Agriculture's Nitrogen Legacy

Growing corn pollutes the water because of farmers use more nitrogen fertilizer than the plants need. New research shows the pollution may take years to…

Nov 6, 2025 • Aaron Smith

What Would Happen If We Required Airplanes to Use More Biofuels?

Singapore Airlines offers the longest current commercial passenger flight.

Oct 6, 2025 • Aaron Smith

Americans Pay Double for Sugar Than the Rest of the World. Is That Good for Our Health?

Recently, I wrote about America’s weird government-run sugar industry, which saddles us with really high sugar prices.

Aug 15, 2025 • Aaron Smith

Here's a Better Way to Get Coca Cola to Use Cane Sugar Instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Eliminate federal sugar price controls!

Jul 24, 2025 • Aaron Smith

My Answers to Some of Your Questions About Tariffs

Economists of all stripes are currently “enjoying” a respite from answering questions from friends and family about what the stock market is going to…

May 1, 2025 • Aaron Smith

How Much Should Dairy Farms Get Paid for Trapping Methane?

The answer hinges on four important numbers.

Oct 14, 2024 • Aaron Smith

Cow Poop is Now a Big Part of California Fuel Policy

Are the state’s new low-carbon fuel regulations full of BS?

Jan 22, 2024 • Aaron Smith

The Gas Stove Wars Are Not About Gas Stoves

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to New Zealand and Australia.

May 26, 2023 • Aaron Smith

The Value of Methane from Cow Manure

Methane is the second-most emitted greenhouse gas behind carbon dioxide (CO2).

Apr 15, 2023 • Aaron Smith

Are Manure Subsidies Causing Farmers to Milk More Cows?

Two years ago, I wrote in Ag Data News about how a dairy cow's manure was half as valuable as its milk.

Apr 8, 2023 • Aaron Smith

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