Research Library

The Sheinbaum administration recently unveiled its National Strategy for the Electric Sector, aiming to strengthen Mexico’s state-owned companies. In doing so, it may have overlooked key economic, infrastructural, and technological challenges. In a new issue brief, nonresident scholar Rolando Fuentes explores the plan’s potential benefits, risks, and gaps — emphasizing how comprehensive and transparent policies are crucial for building a sustainable, vibrant electricity sector in Mexico.

Clean electricity technologies are here, and they’re affordable. So why does most of our power in the U.S. still come from fossil fuels? Daniel Cohan joined Baker Briefing to explain how bureaucratic bottlenecks have led to a backlog of wind, solar, and battery storage power projects that could, if built, revolutionize the grid and greatly reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

The Supreme Court cannot tackle the challenge of free speech on social media alone; the public must also step up and advocate for meaningful reforms to U.S. social media policies.

A globally equitable energy transition that addresses social and economic disparities may seem unlikely at the moment, but international cooperation on energy policies is achievable. In a new working paper, visiting research scholar Osamah Alsayegh outlines the complex challenges facing a just energy transition and provides policy recommendations focused on promoting international collaboration and transparency.

Recently proposed federal legislation would require the Texas electrical grid to connect to the Eastern and Western Interconnections. While connecting the Texas grid may offer more power to the state and beyond, it would not eliminate the state’s energy reliability, connectivity, or outage concerns. Thus, policymakers should shift their focus to funding a thorough, practical study of all the issues involved in Texas grid integration, writes nonresident scholar Julie A. Cohn.

In order to safeguard the peaceful use of outer space — and protect sustain U.S. leadership in this domain — a modern treaty is needed to foster international cooperation in commercial and national security space activities. This new policy brief outlines the issues.

Tackling the U.S. epidemic of drug-related death, harm, and addiction requires immediate action from federal and local policymakers and agencies to increase access to lifesaving services. It also requires a genuine commitment to a society that offers Americans a real shot at a healthy and meaningful life, writes Katharine Neill Harris.

To continue competing with one of America’s largest trading partners, the new U.S. administration must monitor the Chinese government’s upcoming economic policy changes, regarding national security, science and technology exchange agreements, and tariffs, in order to ensure U.S. security and diplomacy, writes fellow Steven W. Lewis.

Gain-of-function research is an important tool in medicine and other areas that leads to new biotechnologies, therapies, and tools. Instead of banning it, existing oversight can be used to ensure its safety.