ECON 3396 Quasi-Experimental Energy and Environmental Economics

This course offers an in-depth exploration of experimental and quasi-experimental methods for analyzing key issues in energy and environmental economics. Designed for advanced undergraduate students, it focuses on causal inference and policy evaluation in real-world contexts. The course covers a range of methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, and synthetic control methods. These tools are applied to study topics such as the impacts of environmental regulations, the economic effects of climate change, the effectiveness of renewable energy subsidies and energy infrastructure investments, and the role of behavioral interventions in promoting energy efficiency. Students will engage with cutting-edge research, replicate empirical studies, and develop their own research proposals. By blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on data analysis, the course prepares students to design and evaluate evidence-based policies for addressing energy and environmental challenges.