The minimum wage is a wonderful example of how good intentions can go awry with perverse results. I have recently been party to several discussions illustrating how and why this is true. One illustration comes from a judge who told me a sad story involving one of his clerks. Most law school graduates leave with […]
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I write this during FREE’s second conference of the summer for federal judges. The first program focused on energy, while this one is on terrorism and civil society. The two seemingly distinct topics intersect as politicians opportunistically seek justifications to curry favors and further the interests of constituents and contributors. Exploiting fear of terrorism exemplifies […]
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Thirty years ago a few colleagues and I created an environmental policy institute at MSU. With the support of several foundations, we brought academics, business leaders, environmental professionals, and journalists to Bozeman. Some stayed for a week or more. I am pleased that so many commented on the friendliness and courtesy they experienced in our […]
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I find the Gallatin Gateway community immensely attractive on multiple dimensions. Its location is grand; an easy ten miles to Bozeman on paved back roads, a near perfect bike commute. It enjoys a spectacular setting with the Spanish Peaks to the south, the 100,000-acre Flying D ranch to the west, and the Gallatin River running […]
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This is a great day to reflect on America. Despite real problems, we live in the world’s most successful large-scale social experiment. We lucky citizens have won life’s lottery. Regardless of ethnicity, if a wise person behind a veil of ignorance could choose where to be born, America would be her best bet. We have […]
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For over a decade, FREE’s weekly columns, usually on environmental policy, have strived for consistency. We work and write to harmonize ecology, ethics, and economics, while respecting the right of free and responsible individuals to make choices. FREE approaches environmental policy from a political economy perspective. This means we are alert to the reality of […]
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Many concerned and informed people feel guilty over their carbon footprint. Buying carbon offsets lets them assuage this guilt, but this is a misguided perspective. Instead, I suggest we promote climate stewardship with policies that steadily encourage energy conservation and low CO2 production, e.g., carbon taxes. Individuals atone for their “excessive” carbon consumption, i.e., twenty […]
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I recently came across a flyer in the Maui paper on Hawaii’s “Solar Awareness Program.” However meritorious and well founded our concern about global warming, we should be alert to the potential for gaming the system. While I invest personal resources in solar and wind power, I worry when taxpayer funds are promised as inducements. […]
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Climate change is a huge problem on multiple dimensions. It is also a problem shrouded in uncertainty. What causes global warming? What proportion is anthropogenic? With what speed, and to what degree will the effects be felt? Will the worldwide benefits to agriculture be greater or less than the losses? Can anything be done to […]
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If you believe global warming is occurring, and the great majority of Americans do, you may be asking yourself, “What do I do?” Here are a few suggestions for coping. First, I urge you to do those energy saving things that bring the most psychic unguent at the least cost to you: replace an incandescent […]
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