Research Projects

* Materials, Technology and Growth: Quantifying the Costs of Circularity (with Zachary Mahone)

Abstract: Environmental concerns over growing raw material extraction and waste generation have led many governments, including the United States, to introduce policies intended to reduce the extraction of new materials from the earth and boost material recycling.  In the policy sphere, this is referred to as circularity.  This paper develops a quantitative growth model with material use and directed technical change to quantify the costs of such policies.  We study the U.S. goal of 50% recycling by 2030 and find it would require doubling recycling subsidies and cost 0.17% in consumption-equivalent welfare.  However, this policy would also increase virgin extraction. Achieving a substantial reduction in new material extraction itself is very costly.  Returning to 1970 levels of extraction entails a long run consumption cost of 6% and lost growth of 1.1% per decade.

* Optimal Taxation of Recyclable Goods

Abstract: TBA

* Circularity over the Business Cycle

Abstract: TBA

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* Returns to Workplace Connectivity: Evidence from Brazil (with Ricardo Freguglia, Rafael Siano). Under Review.

* Taylor Rules During a Pandemic: A Counterfactual Exercise (with Michael Batu, Sidney Caetano). Under Review.