Issue 217: In a New Era, Staying on Track Toward Decarbonization

A Note from RFF’s President

At this time, we are on the precipice of a new era.

Resources for the Future (RFF), even while persisting as a stable and ongoing champion for rigorous economic research that has informed environmental, energy, and climate policy decisions for more than 72 years, has undergone some significant changes from within.

In 2024, we lost one of our longest-serving researchers, Ray Kopp, whose legacy you will read about in this issue. Ray was with RFF for a remarkable 47 of the organization’s 72 years, serving in positions of fellow, director, and vice president. But more importantly to the people he worked with, he was a mentor and friend.

Alongside this news were changes for the current RFF executive leadership as we announced my own hiring into the role of president and CEO and Carlos Martín as vice president for research and policy engagement.

On a larger scale, we can also look to the ongoing evolution of the United States. It may be too early to know the extent of changes in the federal policy landscape following the 2024 elections, but certainly the American people chose a different pathway from the last administration. However, as with every election before this one, RFF will continue to work in a nonpartisan way to inform climate policies.

Despite transitions, our organization stands strong.

Billy Pizer
President and CEO, Resources for the Future