Beia Spiller
Energy Economist at
Resources for the Future
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Organized webinars and workshops
Digging Deep: Critical Minerals, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Innovation
March 12, 2024
As more electric vehicles (EVs) are produced and purchased, demand for the critical minerals required to create EV batteries will increase. This increased demand creates a variety of challenges, from geopolitical concerns about mineral availability to mineral price volatility. Without technological innovation, these issues could lead to higher battery costs and vehicle prices that slow down EV adoption and, by extension, emissions reductions.
On Tuesday, March 12, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted “Digging Deep: Critical Minerals, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Innovation.” In this webinar, we presented some of the challenges associated with critical mineral markets and how these connect to broader EV adoption. Then a panel of experts discussed the role that technological innovation could play in mitigating the challenges caused by growing EV demand; potential limits to innovation; and policies that can help support innovation and make critical mineral markets more resilient.
Panelists included:
Diana Bauer, US Department of Energy
Roderick Eggert, Colorado School of Mines
Michael Maten, General Motors
Beia Spiller, Resources for the Future (Moderator)
See more information at the workshop webpage.
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandates Workshop: Research for effective, efficient, and equitable policy implementation
June 12/13 2023
California and New York recently adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, requiring all new light-duty vehicle sales to be electric by 2035, and the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires a ramping up of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle sales to 75 percent by 2035. Achieving and requiring such a rapid transition to an electric transportation sector raises a number of questions, such as:
•What will happen to the used gasoline market, new vehicle sales (both electric andgasoline), and vehicle imports?
•How can we ensure that this transition will be equitable?
•What is the optimal pathway for charging station investments?
•How will this expansion of new ZEV sales affect the electricity sector, and what rulesand regulations within the electric sector can help support this transition?
There are multiple avenues to explore and lots of new research that can be done in this space to help the states effectively, efficiently, and equitably achieve their ZEV goals. To that end, we will host a two-half day virtual workshop with a group of researchers and policymakers who work closely with researchers in the ZEV space to discuss cutting-edge research on these issues, identify new researchable questions, and explore data required to answer these questions. Following the workshop, we will create a written communication summarizing the findings from the workshop and laying out a new research agenda related to the ZEV mandate.
See more information at the workshop webpage.
Read the summary report here.
Agenda
Day 1:
2pm Introduction/welcome
2:05–2:35 Fireside chat with Richard Newell (RFF) and Chris Smith (Ford Motor Company)
2:35–3:20 Distributional and equity concerns
Moderator: Mehri Mohebbi
Panelists: Erich Muehlegger, Regan Patterson, Suzanne Russo
3:20–3:30 Coffee Break
3:30–4:15 Charging station network development and investments
Moderator: Nafisa Lohawala
Panelists: Mehrnaz Ghamami, Shanjun Li, Katalin Springel
4:15–5:00 Electric regulatory decision making
Moderator: Beia Spiller
Panelists: Severin Borenstein, Peter Cappers, Elizabeth Stein
5:00 Close out, summary of first day
Day 2:
11am: Welcome back
11:05–11:35 Fireside chat with Rory Christian (Chair and CEO of NY State Public Service Commission) and Dr. Barbara Kates-Garnick (Tufts University)
11:35–12:30pm Electric loads, grid impacts, and environmental outcomes
Moderator: Karen Palmer
Panelists: Debapriya (Priya) Chakraborty, Alan Jenn, Kara M. Kockelman, Steve Letendre
12:30–1 Lunch break
1–1:55 Vehicle demand and supply
Moderator: Josh Linn
Panelists: Benjamin Leard, Kenneth Gillingham, Margaret Mann, Anna Spurlock
1:55-2 Close out
Research and Policy Discussions in the Power Sector
With funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and in coordination with the Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU School of Law, I have organized a series of webinars bringing together Sloan grantees in the electricity transmission and distribution space. These webinars presented the work done by the researchers, and discuss the implications of the work for advancing policy. The webinars were held during 2021-2022. Below is a description of each with links to the associated blogs and event recordings. For more information, see the main webpage here.
1. Energy Justice and the Just Transition in the Power Sector- New Research and Policy Opportunities
This panel explored research conducted by Dr. Sidortsov on the energy justice implications of repurposing underground mines for energy storage, and by Dr. Sims on the environmental justice implications of distributed solar adoption and utilization. Raya Salter's policy expertise framed the policy discussion currently being had in NY and beyond around energy justice and the just transition.
October 26, 2021. Watch event recording
Moderator: Lauren Navarro (EDF)
Panelists: Raya Salter (WE ACT), Dr. Roman Sidortsov (Michigan Technological University), Dr. Charles Sims (University of Tennessee- Knoxville).
2. Public Acceptance and Governance Topics in Energy Policy
This panel explored research conducted by Dr. Heikkila on policy conflicts and concord among key stakeholders related to the siting of energy infrastructure, by Dr. Konisky on public perception surveys and public finance research on the siting of energy infrastructure, and by Dr. Konschnik on the role of regional transmission organizations and independent systems operators in electricity markets. Dr. Wilson's policy expertise on this topic provided the framework for understanding the broader context of this research.
December 16, 2021. Watch event recording
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Wilson (Dartmouth)
Panelists: Dr. Tanya Heikkila (CU Denver), Dr. David Konisky (Indiana University), Dr. Kate Konschnik (Duke University), and Amanda Ormond (Western Grid).
3. Energy Market Design: New Research and Policy Approaches
Energy market design is key to efficiently decarbonizing the power system. This panel focused on ongoing policy discussion on the topic and the latest research on how different market designs could affect clean energy outcomes.
February 3, 2022. Watch event recording
Moderator: Sarah Ladin (Institute for Policy Integrity).
Panelists: Catherine Hausman (Univ. of Michigan), Chiara Lo Prete (Penn State), Valerie Teeter (FERC).
4. Distributed Energy Resources and Distribution Network Impacts
What are the challenges and opportunities created by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)? How can policies help or hinder outcomes? Are there ways to improve both adoption and functionality of DERs? Find out in this conversation between leading research and policy experts.
March 4, 2022. Watch event recording
Moderator: Elizabeth Stein (Environmental Defense Fund).
Panelists: Jim Bushnell (UC Davis), Anamika Dubey (Washington State University), Alan Jenn (UC Davis), and Michelle Rosier (Minnesota Public Utilities Commission).
5. Is the Price Right? Valuing and Compensating Distributed Energy Resources
This webinar brought together leading research and policy experts to discuss ways to value and compensate distributed energy resources for their services, how these different approaches affect outcomes of interest, and where the policy discussions are headed.
May 27, 2022. Watch event recording
Moderator: David Brown (University of Alberta).
Panelists: Michael Caramanis (Boston University), Beia Spiller (RFF), Burçin Ünel (Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU School of Law), and Paul Phillips (California Public Utility Commission).
Exploring Innovative Transportation Policies Workshop
July 15-16, 2020
Co-hosted with Resources for the Future and Duke's Nicholas School, this two-day virtual workshop brought together individuals from all over the US, and from different sectors, including local governments, non-governmental organizations, stakeholder and community groups, industry, and academics, to discuss innovative policy solutions to achieving a clean transportation system.
View the full forum agenda and highlights.
On the REV agenda: The role of time-variant pricing
March 31, 2015
Co-hosted with the New York Department of Public Service and New York University’s Institute for Policy Integrity, the full-day forum, “On the REV Agenda: The Role of Time-Variant Pricing,” brought together more than 150 regulators, utility executives, academics, and other stakeholders to explore how residential time-variant pricing works, what it can accomplish, and how best to implement it.
Watch videos of the panels:
Attended conferences and workshops
2023
The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect
AERE@ASSA, New Orleans Jan 2023
The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect
Empirical Methods in Energy Economics, Yale Jan 2023
Panel Discussion: What are the implications for electricity demand and grid integrity for a range of EV scenarios?
The Future of Electric Vehicles- Challenges and Opportunities, University of North Carolina, February 2023Charging Stations and the City
International Conference on Social and Environmental Justice, Fordham University, May 2023The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect
Seminar at US EPA NCEE, May 2023The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect
Seminar at Manhattan College, May 2023Charging Stations and the City
AERE Summer Conference, Portland, Maine, June 2023Community Engaged Research for the Clean Energy Transition
Economics of Low-Carbon Markets, Oldenburg, Germany, August 2023EV Charging Networks: Equitable Access to Charging Infrastructure
MOVE America 2023, Austin, Texas, September 2023Opportunities for Transportation Decarbonization
USAEE, Chicago, November 2023Community Engaged Research for the Clean Energy Transition
Universidad Torcuato di Tella, Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 2023
2022
Impacts of Tariffs on Medium and Heavy Duty EV Fleet Adoption
PLMA Load Management Leadership, Electric Transportation Interest Group, Hot Topics Webinar. August 2022The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect.
AERE Summer Conference, Miami, FL, June 2022.The Electric Vehicle Rebound Effect.
AERE @ EEA, Jamaica. May 2022.Residential Electricity Tariffs: Impacts on DER Adoption and Use
Is the Price Right? Valuing and Compensating Distributed Energy Resources. Virtual Webinar, May 2022. Slides.Mortality Risk from PM2.5: A Comparison of Modeling Approaches to Identify Disparities across Racial/Ethnic Groups in Policy Outcomes
Society for Benefit Cost Analysis Annual Meeting. Virtual, March 2022. Slides.Philanthropy to Save the World: Insights For and From Environmental Charities
Science of Philanthropy Initiative, University of Chicago. Video available here. Virtual, March 2022.
2021
Time Varying Pricing and Electric Truck/Bus Fleets
Resources for the Future Conference: Research and Policy Workshop on Pricing, Automation and Data. Virtual, December 2021.Incorporating Equity in Energy Policy
Rethinking Energy, the Economy, and Governance. Environmental Law Institute. Video available here. Virtual, November 2021.Effect of Reconciliation Tax Credits on Payback Periods for Electric Trucks
Resources for the Future Conference. Driving Decarbonization: Examining Electric Vehicles and Low-Carbon Fuels in US
Reconciliation Efforts. Video available here. Virtual, October 2021.The Health Benefits of Solar Power Generation: Evidence from Chile
AERE Summer Conference, Virtual 2021.
2020
How Utility Regulation and Market Design Fuels the “Dash to Gas”
APPAM Conference, Virtual November 2020The Health Benefits of Solar Power Generation: Evidence from Chile
EAERE, Virtual June 2020The Health Benefits of Solar Power Generation: Evidence from Chile
AERE @ EEA, Boston February 2020
2019
Estimating Pollution and Health Impacts of Renewable Energy: Evidence from Large Solar Generation Investments in Chile
AERE Summer Meeting, Lake Tahoe May 2019The Future of Distribution Systems in a Clean Grid
NBER Electricity Markets Workshop, Lake Tahoe May 2019
2018 / 2012
Policy session: Smart grid for a carbon free energy future: the role of electricity pricing and distributed energy resources
World Congress, Gothenburg July 2018Efficient Distribution Network Tariffs and DERs
MIT Energy Conference, March 2016The Housing Market Impacts of Shale Gas Development NAREA Workshop on Non-Conventional Oil and Gas Energy
West Virginia University, June 2014Electricity Tariffs and Residential Solar Investments
Environment for Development Initiative 8th Annual Meeting, Tanzania, October 2014The Housing Market Impacts of Shale Gas Development Department of Economics Seminar
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, November, 2013Shale Gas Development and the Costs of Groundwater Contamination Risk Association of Environmental & Resource Economists, Allied Social Science Association Meeting
San Diego, CA January 2013The Effect of Gasoline Taxes and Public Transit Investments on Driving Patterns
Urban Economics Association Conference, Ottawa, November 2012.The Heterogeneous Effects of Gasoline Taxes: Why Where We Live Matters
Canadian Resource and Environmental Economics Conference, Vancouver, September 2012.Does the Quality of Public Transit Affect Commuters’ Response to Gasoline Price Changes?
AERE Summer Meeting, Asheville, June 2012The Drill and the Bill: Shale Gas Development and Property Values
AERE Summer Meeting, Asheville, June 2012The Distributional Concerns of Rising Gasoline Prices: Why Where We Live Matters
The Ohio State University, May 2012.Regulations and Incentives for Alternative Fuels and Vehicles
Symposium on Prospects for Flexible and Bi-Fuel Vehicles; MIT Energy Institute, April 2012Does the Quality of Public Transit Affect Commuters’ Response to Gasoline Price Changes?
Arizona State University, March 2012Does the Quality of Public Transit Affect Commuters’ Response to Gasoline Price Changes? UC Santa Barbara Occasional Workshop
Santa Barbara, CA February 2012Does the Quality of Public Transit Affect Commuters’ Response to Gasoline Price Changes? Association of Environmental & Resource Economists, Allied Social Science Association Meeting
Chicago, IL January 2012Rural Communities and Gasoline Prices: The Welfare Impacts of Location Association of Environmental & Resource Economists, Allied Social Science Association Meeting
Chicago, IL January 2012The Effect of Gasoline Taxes and Public Transit Investments on Driving Patterns
Resources for the Future Seminar, Washington DC, December 2012How Gasoline Prices Impact Household Driving and Auto Purchasing Decisions: A Revealed Preference Approach EAERE XVIII
Rome, Italy June 2011How Gasoline Prices Impact Household Driving and Auto Purchasing Decisions: A Revealed Preference Approach International Energy Workshop
Stanford, CA July 2011How Gasoline Prices Impact Household Driving and Auto Purchasing Decisions: A Revealed Preference Approach Camp Resources XVII
Wilmington, NC June 2010Research Sketch-- How Gasoline Prices Impact Household Driving and Auto Purchasing Decisions: A Revealed Preference Approach Camp Resources XVI
Asheville, NC August 2009Research Sketch-- How Gasoline Prices Impact Household Driving and Auto Purchasing Decisions: A Revealed Preference Approach NBER Environmental and Energy Economics Summer Institute
Cambridge, MA July 2009