This year is FREE’s 25th anniversary. The initial focus of our work was on the economics and policy analysis of contentious natural resource issues. Our goal was to show how to harmonize environmental quality with America’s founding ideals of liberty and responsible prosperity. Twenty-five years ago environmental problems were addressed almost exclusively through command and […]

It is surely no accident that the term “bureaucracy” carries a crust of derision in every known language. And yet, with the possible exception of the TSA, most individuals within each bureaucracy normally attempt to do well and want to be liked. Against all odds, some succeed. For example, I’ve found the state auto license […]

Domestic and international efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are dead in the water. Many will think this is bad news. I don’t. Here’s why. Policies such as the Kyoto Protocol and U.S. cap-and-trade legislation focus solely on reducing CO2 emissions. But these are symbolic acts, mere posturing, while doing little or nothing to achieve their […]

Each year we host a few dozen horses on our winter range. They are given hay when snow makes grazing difficult but they normally feed on rangeland and uncut hay fields. The horses have running spring water just south of our house and most mornings they troop down to drink. This is always a beautiful […]

Social entrepreneurship is becoming ever more important for achieving social goals. As the government sector hits budgetary reality checks imposed by unsustainable political promises and payoffs, its scope of activities will necessarily contract. When public choices require tradeoffs among important functions, maintaining police, public health, and pollution control are compelling examples, other worthwhile social activities […]