EPIC Research
An important part of EPIC’s mission is to educate the public and
public officials concerning energy issues and policies. We do this
by conducting research and analysis and issuing detailed empirical and
analytical reports on energy trends, policy options and their implications.
Current Research Projects
EPIC conducts research and analysis on energy trends and policy options,
and their implications, to inform the public, public officials and other
decision makers. Currently, EPIC is working on the following research
projects:
Greenhouse Gas Inventory Project
The inventory project will estimate greenhouse gas emissions from the
energy (transportation and electricity), industrial, waste, and agricultural sectors and related sub sectors for the County of San Diego. Based on this inventory of emissions from 1990-2005, EPIC will project emissions to 2020 and calculate the magnitude of reductions necessary to reach 1990 levels, as required in AB 32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
Based on the well-known "wedges" study by Socolow and Pacala, EPIC will then develop a series of emissions reductions wedges to demonstrate in broad terms how the region might reach 1990 levels of emissions. To accomplish this, EPIC will
identify the primary drivers for emissions in each sub sector. For example the three main drivers of
emissions for on-road transportation are (1) vehicle miles traveled, (3) total fuel consumption, and (3) fuel
type (see the figure below). For each of these drivers the project team is estimating how much emissions could be reduced (wedge). The wedges will show in broad terms the emissions reductions necessary from each sector and sub sector to reach 1990 levels. The figure below shows graphically how the project is organized.
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Clean Technology Comparative Policy Review
EPIC is providing policy research and analysis support to a regional project to benchmark the City of San Diego against other regions seeking to develop clean technology industry clusters. EPIC has signed a subcontract with UCSD's Global Connect to research attraction and retention policies, general sustainability policies, and utility policies for 7 US regions. The project is sponsored by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the City of San Diego.
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Biogas Financial Incentive Survey
EPIC is conducting a survey of all 50 states to identify financial incentives available for biogas production. The study focuses primarily on agricultural applications and is identifying tax incentives (e.g., credits and deductions,), grant and rebate programs, loan programs, and other direct financial incentive programs.
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Legislative Tracking and Analysis
EPIC
tracks recent legislative activities and provides analysis
and perspective on proposed legislation. Most recently, EPIC
has identified the new California energy-related legislation
in 2008 and will be conducting analysis on key
bills. For more information on EPIC's legislative research, see the Legislative Center.
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Regulatory Tracking and Analysis
EPIC
tracks recent regulatory activities and provides analysis
and perspective on CPUC proceedings. FOr more information on EPIC's Regulatory research, see the Regulatory Center.
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