Chris Busch

Background

About Chris Busch

As Director of Energy Innovation’s Transportation Program, I’m focused on making the most of growing opportunities for transportation decarbonization through research and engagement with policymakers. I’m a classically-trained but unconventional environmental economist, exemplified by work illuminating previously unrecognized economic upsides of California’s electric vehicle (EV) leadership, such as growth in the state’s motor vehicle manufacturing jobs to double historical levels as well as surging EV exports. Early in 2020, I correctly predicted that EVs would emerge as California’s top export in that year. Previously, I headed Energy Innovation’s California Program. In that role, I led development of the original California Energy Policy Simulator. Eminent climate chronicler Dave Roberts commented, “This is a really fantastic report showing a) that California is going to fall short of its emissions goals, and b) a set of policies that could get it back on track. A clear & practical report in a dumb world.” Earlier highlights of my professional journey: BlueGreen Alliance, Policy Director: Invited to testify at the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Energy and Power. Union of Concerned Scientists, Climate Economist: Directed research leading to the revision of California's cap-and-trade program offset rules. Recruited Nobel Laureates Akerlof, Arrow, and McFadden to an open letter supporting passage of California's Assembly Bill 32. Center for Resource Solutions, Policy Director: Led a successful initiative that to create a voluntary renewable energy set aside provision in California’s cap-and-trade regulation. This provision bolstered voluntary renewable projects claims to additional greenhouse gas reductions, a critical move for the sector. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Senior Research Associate: Contributed pioneering research on international carbon offsets, cited four times in the IPCC’s Special Report on Land Use, Land Use-Change, and Forestry. International Endeavors: For the U.S. State Department’s Speaker and Specialist Program, delivered a series of presentations in South Korea (in 2010) and the Caribbean (in 2011); Conducted research in China focusing on national emission trading system design and urban sustainability. Won a University of California grant to support my dissertation research on deforestation in Mexico’s southern Yucatan region. This grant enabled me to hire and manage a local team to assist with data collection. Opinions I express on Linked are my own.