Striving for a safer world since 1945.

Are We Guessing Well or Knowing Well? Evidence Gaps in R&D Institutional Design

The potential implication of these evidence gaps becomes more consequential when you look at how institutions actually make decisions day to day.

09.25.26 | 6 min read

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In America’s 250th Year We Agree on the Knicks, Ranch Dressing, and Building Resilience to the Dangers of Extreme Heat

Just as sports fanatics had plenty to celebrate this year, so does the heat policy team at FAS. In response to recent heat events, leaders across the country have taken steps to build heat resilience.

10.19.26 | 16 min read

Government Capacity

Leveling the Analytical Playing Field for State Regulators

Congress should establish a Modeling, Analysis, and Technical Talent for Energy Regulation Hub (MATTER Hub) within the Department of Energy (DOE).

10.15.26 | 4 min read

A Vision for Western Solidarity in the Mid-Transition, Beyond the Resource Curse

Western states functionally manage trillions in global climate risk (permafrost, forest carbon, etc.) and can do so in ways that drive state economic development.

10.13.26 | 12 min read

Virginia Has an Energy Plan. Now It Needs the Tools to Deliver It.

Implementation will not be easy. Several of the plan’s critical strategies challenge established utility business models.

10.13.26 | 7 min read

issues

Emerging Technology

Rapidly emerging technologies have societal benefits and risks that have not been fully realized, but the United States does not have the robust R&D strategy or funding needed to lead on innovation, development, and commercialization.

Shared prosperity depends on a stable climate, a healthy environment, and effective deployment of smart energy policy.

Humanity must proactively develop and pursue sound policies to protect against global catastrophe, including through scientific and political cooperation.

Global Risk

Taking good ideas from the lab to local governments through intentional, regular and impact-driven policy alignment, by putting science in cities and enabling transformative partnerships between cities and universities.

State & Local Innovation

The federal government has a long history of creating and deploying innovative science and technology solutions – but institutional complexity and bureaucratic bottlenecks too often stifle its ability to solve problems.

Government Capacity