Lottocracy
Resolved: Congress should pass and send to the states for ratification a Constitutional Amendment: Setting a maximum contribution limit any campaign donor–individual, organization, or interest group–may contribute to any Presidential …
Renewable Energy Laws Mostly Hot Air
Laws requiring the use of renewable energy by utility companies in an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions are more likely to increase energy costs, according to H. Sterling Burnett, senior fellow with the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA).
NASA Backtracks On 1998 Warmest Year Claim
The warmest year on record is no longer 1998 and not because it has been overtaken by a recent heat wave. NASA scientist James Hansen's famous claims about 1998 being the warmest year on record in the U.S. was the result of a serious math error, according to H. Sterling Burnett, a senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA).
Electricity Deregulation: Taking the Next Step
A new technology called "smart" metering and innovative residential pricing plans have the potential to revolutionize the electric power industry and reduce monthly electricity bills for many consumers. Utilities in the states that have deregulated electric power have the strongest market incentives to implement these new features, and customers in some states are beginning to reap the benefits.
Senate Bill Will Cut Economic Growth, Not Global Warming
A study released this week by the Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. economic output would be reduced by $533 billion over 20 years if recently proposed legislation to off-set green house gas emissions is enacted.
How Much Do Americans Depend on Social Security?
Social Security benefits over the next 75 years will exceed payroll tax revenues by $4.6 trillion. To close this enormous fiscal gap, one proposal is to cut the benefits of high-income workers. Many low-income workers depend almost entirely on Social Security for their retirement income, but it is often assumed that high-wage workers can maintain their standard of living without Social Security benefits due to their private pensions and savings. Surprisingly, however, even high-wage workers depend on Social Security for a substantial portion of their retirement income and would significantly change their consumption and saving behavior in the absence of Social Security.
The Environmental Costs of Ethanol
There is growing bipartisan political support for increased use of ethanol. An energy bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate would increase mandated ethanol use in blended fuels from 8 billion gallons to 36 billion gallons. Concern about global warming and the desire to improve air quality are stoking the demand for government action.
Increasing America's Domestic Fuel Supply
High gasoline prices and concern about energy security are driving entrepreneurs to explore a variety of ways to produce transportation fuels. For example, researchers are experimenting with technologies to turn turkey, chicken and pig litter, and used tires, into gasoline. On the less exotic side, Congress is pushing ethanol.