Tucked away on page 508 of the 2,702-page bipartisan infrastructure bill is a proposal that could radically restructure how Americans use and pay for the nation’s roads. This radical proposal takes the form of a study that would assess the feasibility of establishing a “national motor vehicle per-mile user fee” and would have road users […]
ENERGY / Environment
NEPA: The Barrier to Developing America
$229.4 billion is the regulatory burden the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is currently imposing on 148 infrastructure projects undergoing review, according to an American Action Forum (AAF) analysis. Since its inception in 1970, NEPA has impeded America’s infrastructure improvements by significantly increasing costs, time, and red tape. It’s time for Congress to reform NEPA […]
Nuclear Phase-out Is a Backward-looking Policy
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the phased closing of nuclear power plants in the last two decades had led to an increase in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions of 36.3 megatons a year in Germany. For context, that is about as much CO2 as would be released from power 6.5 million homes […]
The Economic Standard: Roll out Renewables before Biden’s Blackouts Roll in
Commuters in California will be familiar with radio ads that ask them to ration electricity when they get home from work. The campaign begs consumers to power down between 4 pm and 9 pm, when renewable energy generation dips and utilities struggle to power the grid. While most Americans don’t have to think twice about […]
Real Clear Energy: To Fight Climate Change, President Biden Needs to Retire NEPA
After 50 years in power, it’s clear that NEPA and its current regulatory process is outdated and needs to be retired. Ambitious decarbonization plans look good on paper, but without clearing the regulatory roadblocks that hinder renewable development, consumers will be left in the dark. Unless Joe Biden got a head-start on the EIS process […]
The Economic Standard: EV Subsidies are a Renewable Waste
As part of his recently released infrastructure plan, President Joe Biden has vowed to overhaul the American electric vehicle (EV) industry with $174 billion worth of spending. But in his rush to spread the cash around, President Biden appears to be doubling down on environmentally inefficient and socially regressive initiatives. Rather than wasting taxpayer money […]
Inside Sources: Keep Rails on Track for Consumers and Climate
After a full year of lockdowns and social distancing, Americans are understandably eager to once again get back to work and travel this summer. With hopes that economic activity is set to roar back in the wake of the ongoing vaccination drive, last week the House sub-committee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on […]
FOX TV in Boston on Vehicle Miles Traveled Fees
As plans to eliminate or change the current federal gas taxes are being proposed, this Fox TV feature explains why moving to a vehicle miles traveled fees plan is the best option to fund the ongoing costs for highway roads and bridges. The TV segment is available online.
Real Clear Energy: Unplug Tesla Tax on the Poor
Nonetheless, forcing lower income taxpayers and energy ratepayers to fund the rollout of EV charging stations constitutes a Tesla tax on the less-wealthy. When Marie Antoinette was told that the poor could not afford bread, she reportedly said to “let them eat cake.” For Americans who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic, House […]
Press Release: ACI Launches New Podcast Series
The American Consumer Institute (ACI) is excited to announce the launch of our new podcast series Policy-ish Talk hosted by Kris Pusok, ACI’s policy and research director. Each episode of the Policy-ish Talk will treat you to an in-depth conversation with policy experts, industry leaders, and top academics to explore today’s toughest social, economic, and […]