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TREESPEAR
Think-tank for Resources, Energy, and the Environment:
Science and Policy-related Economic Analysis and Research


Cornell University

Our Research

We use economics to analyze and tackle issues related to natural resources, energy, and the environment. Our research is grounded in economics, informed by the natural sciences, and relevant for policy. We work on projects that are technically sound, innovative, challenging, and that are of interest to academics, business practitioners, and policy-makers alike. Our goal is make a positive impact on the world.


We have used economics to analyze and tackle a variety of issues related to natural resources, energy, and the environment, including the following:


Fossil fuels

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). Strategic decision-making with information and extraction externalities: A structural model of the multi-stage investment timing game in offshore petroleum production. Review of Economics and Statistics, 95 (5), 1601-1621.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Appendix]

  • Kheiravar, Khaled H., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Amy Myers Jaffe. (2024). The world oil market and OPEC: A structural econometric model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Ghandi, Abbas, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). On the design of oil production contracts: Insights from a dynamic model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2024). Market power in the world oil market: Evidence for an OPEC cartel and an oligopolistic non-OPEC fringe. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2009). Estimating strategic interactions in petroleum exploration. Energy Economics, 31 (4), 586-594.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Gernot Wagner. (2007). Steady-state growth in a Hotelling model of resource extraction. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 54 (1), 68-83.
    [Published paper]

  • Ghandi, Abbas, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). On the rate of return and risk factors to international oil companies in Iran's buy-back service contracts. Energy Policy, 103, 16-19.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Kheiravar, Khaled H., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2020). Econometric modeling of the world oil market as a dynamic game. In Stéphane Goutte and Duc Khuong Nguyen (Eds.), Handbook of Energy Finance: Theories, Practices and Simulations (pp. 35-46). World Scientific Publishing.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Ghandi, Abbas, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2012). Do Iran's buy-back service contracts lead to optimal production?: The case of Soroosh and Nowrooz. Energy Policy, 42, 181-190.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2009). Insights from a simple Hotelling model. Natural Resources Research, 18 (1), 19-28.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Leighty, Wayne, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2012). Tax policy can change the production path: A model of optimal oil extraction in Alaska. Energy Policy, 41, 759-774.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Annex]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2011). Estimating supply and demand in the world oil market. Journal of Energy and Development, 34 (1), 1-32.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, Haoying Meng, Tsz Yan Ngai, Valeria Oscherov, and Yan Hong Zhu. (2009). Hotelling revisited: Oil prices and endogenous technological progress. Natural Resources Research, 18 (1), 29-38.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Ghandi, Abbas, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). Oil and gas service contracts around the world: A review. Energy Strategy Reviews, 3, 63-71.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Ghandi, Abbas, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2015). Is resource nationalism on the rise?: Evidence from service contracts in eight countries. International Association for Energy Economics Energy Forum, 24 (1), 35-37.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2005). The investment timing game in petroleum production: An econometric model. Physica A, 355 (1), 62-68.
    [Published paper]


    • Groundwater

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). Does efficient irrigation technology lead to reduced groundwater extraction?: Empirical evidence. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 67 (2), 189-208.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2012). Groundwater pumping and spatial externalities in agriculture. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 64 (1), 16-30.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Sears, Louis, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and M. Todd Walter. (2024). Groundwater under open access: A structural model of the dynamic common pool extraction game. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, David Lim, Gerald Torres, and M. Todd Walter. (2024). Interjurisdictional spatial externalities in groundwater management. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). The effects of energy prices on agricultural groundwater extraction from the High Plains Aquifer. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 96 (5), 1349-1362.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Sears, Louis, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2019). Water management and economics. In Gail L. Cramer, Krishna P. Paudel, and Andrew Schmitz (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Economics (pp. 269-284). London: Routledge.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2016). The management of groundwater: Irrigation efficiency, policy, institutions, and externalities. Annual Review of Resource Economics, 8, 247-259.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Sears, Louis, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Gerald Torres, and M. Todd Walter. (2024). Moment-based Markov equilibrium estimation of high-dimension dynamic games: An application to groundwater management in California. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Gerald Torres, and M. Todd Walter. (2024). Adjudicated groundwater property rights: A structural model of the dynamic game among groundwater users in California. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Gerald Torres, and M. Todd Walter. (2024). Managing common pool resources: Lessons from groundwater resource extraction in California. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Dual rights to groundwater: Theory and application to California. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, Joseph Caparelli, Clouse Lee, Devon Pan, Gillian Strandberg, Linh Vuu, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2018). Jevons' Paradox and efficient irrigation technology. Sustainability, 10 (5), 1590.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Sears, Louis, David Lim, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2019). Spatial groundwater management: A dynamic game framework and application to California. Water Economics and Policy, 5 (1), 1850019.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). The effects of climate change on agricultural groundwater extraction. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, David Lim, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2018). The economics of agricultural groundwater management institutions: The case of California. Water Economics and Policy, 4 (3), 1850003.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2021). Property rights and groundwater management in the High Plains Aquifer. Resource and Energy Economics, 63, 101147.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). Paradox on the Plains: As water efficiency increases, so can water use. California WaterBlog.
    [Blog]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). Climate change, groundwater, crop choice, and irrigation technology: A review of recent studies. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Sears, Louis, David Lim, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). Agricultural groundwater management in California: Possible perverse consequences? Agricultural and Resource Economics Update, 20 (3), 1-3.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Lisa Pfeiffer. (2015). Strategic behavior and regulation over time and space. In Kimberly Burnett, Richard Howitt, James A. Roumasset, and Christopher A. Wada (Eds.), Routledge Handbook of Water Economics and Institutions (pp. 79-90). New York: Routledge.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). The unintended consequences of incentive-based groundwater conservation programs: A study using spatial data. Energy Dimensions.
    [Blog]

  • Sears, Louis, Ernst Bertone Oehninger, David Lim, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The economics of sustainable agricultural groundwater management: Recent findings. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). Perverse consequences of incentive-based groundwater conservation programs. Global Water Forum, Discussion Paper 1415.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). Incentive-based groundwater conservation programs may have unintended results. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 7 (6), 5-6.
    [Publication]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2016). The economics of groundwater management. Policy brief, University of California Center Sacramento.
    [Policy brief]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2010). The effect of irrigation technology on groundwater use. Choices, 25 (3).
    [Published paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2009). Incentive-based groundwater conservation programs: Perverse consequences? Agricultural and Resource Economics Update, 12 (6), 1-4.
    [Publication]


    • Renewable fuels

  • Yi, Fujin, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Karen E. Thome. (2024). A dynamic model of subsidies: Theory and application to the ethanol industry. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2021). The design of renewable fuel mandates and cost containment mechanisms. Environmental and Resource Economics, 79, 213-247.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Thome, Karen E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Ethanol plant investment and government policy: A dynamic structural econometric model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Aaron Smith. (2018). Policy shocks and market-based regulations: Evidence from the Renewable Fuel Standard. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 100 (3), 707-731.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Appendix]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2015). The design and economics of low carbon fuel standards. Research in Transportation Economics, 52, 91-99.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Yi, Fujin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). What factors affect the decision to invest in a fuel ethanol plant?: A structural model of the ethanol investment timing game. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Thome, Karen E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2022). Corn ethanol in the Midwestern USA: Local competition, entry and agglomeration. Journal of Economic Geography, 22 (6), 1247-1273.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and Aaron Smith. (2015). Ex post costs and renewable identification number (RIN) prices under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Resources for the Future Discussion Paper 15-22.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2013). A report on the economics of California's low carbon fuel standard and cost containment mechanisms. Prepared for the California Air Resources Board. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California at Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RR-13-23.
    [Report]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2017). Dynamic structural econometric modeling of the ethanol industry. In Alberto Adrego Pinto and David Zilberman (Eds.), Modelling, Dynamics, Optimization and Bioeconomics II (pp. 293-306). Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Si, Shuyang, James A. Chalfant, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Fujin Yi. (2024). The effects of China's biofuel policies on agricultural and ethanol markets. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Farinelli, Barbara, Colin A. Carter, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and Daniel A. Sumner. (2009). Import demand for Brazilian ethanol: A cross-country analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 17, S9-S17.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2014). Modeling ethanol investment decisions. In Alberto Adrego Pinto and David Zilberman (Eds.), Modelling, Dynamics, Optimization and Bioeconomics I (pp. 487-497). Springer.
    [Publication]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). Controlling compliance costs for California's LCFS with a price ceiling. Policy brief, University of California at Davis Institute of Transportation Studies.
    [Policy brief]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). Containing the costs of California's low carbon fuel standard. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 7 (12).
    [Publication]

  • Yi, Fujin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Ethanol plant investment in Canada: A structural model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2012). On designing and analyzing policies for renewable fuels. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 6 (12), 4-5.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2011). The effects of an E10 ethanol-blend policy on California. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 5 (5), 6-7.
    [Publication]

  • Herath Mudiyanselage, Nisal, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and Fujin Yi. (2013). An analysis of ethanol investment decisions in Thailand. Theoretical Economics Letters, 3 (5A1), 14-20.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). On designing and analyzing policies for renewable fuels. Energy Dimensions.
    [Blog]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, Wei Zhang, Omid Rouhani, and Lea Prince. (2009). The implications of an E10 ethanol-blend policy for California. Agricultural and Resource Economics Update, 13 (2), 1-4.
    [Publication]


    • Gasoline

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Lea Prince. (2013). Gasoline price volatility and the elasticity of demand for gasoline. Energy Economics, 38, 111-117.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Jieyin (Jean) Zeng. (2013). The elasticity of demand for gasoline in China. Energy Policy, 59, 189-97.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2017). Global gasoline prices: The need to raise gasoline taxes. Nature Energy, 2, Article 16206.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Kheiravar, Khaled H., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of fuel subsidies on air quality: Evidence from the Iranian subsidy reform. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Lea Prince. (2009). The optimal gas tax for California. Energy Policy, 37 (12), 5173-5183.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2010). Gasoline price volatility. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 4 (11), 6-8.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2007). California's gasoline tax. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 1 (7), 5-8.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Jieyin (Jean) Zeng. (2014). The optimal gasoline tax for China. Theoretical Economics Letters, 4 (4), 270-278.
    [Published paper]

  • Sun, Yongling, Mark A. Delucchi, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Joan Ogden. (2024). The producer surplus associated with gasoline fuel use in the United States. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]


    • Renewable energy

  • Cook, Jonathan A., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2020). Wind turbine shutdowns and upgrades in Denmark: Timing decisions and the impact of government policy. Energy Journal, 41 (3), 81-118.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]


    • Transportation

  • Zhang, Wei, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Victoria I. Umanskaya. (2017). The effects of license plate-based driving restrictions on air quality: Theory and empirical evidence. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 82, 181-220.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Morrison, Geoffrey M., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2016). Driving in force: The influence of workplace peers on commuting decisions on U.S. military bases. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 125, 22-40.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2018). The effects of public transit supply on the demand for automobile travel. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 88, 447-467.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Chen, Yuan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Supply and demand in the Chinese automobile market: A random coefficients mixed oligopolistic differentiated products model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Morrison, Geoffrey M., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2016). Does employment growth increase travel time to work?: An empirical analysis using military troop movements. Regional Science and Urban Economics, 60, 180-197.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Chen, Yuan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Fuel efficiency policies in the Chinese automobile market: Evidence from a random coefficients mixed oligopolistic differentiated products model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Li, Dingyi, Shanjun Li, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Pollution avoidance and willingness-to-pay: Evidence from travel mode choice in Beijing. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, Y. Hossein Farzin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Public transit investment and traffic congestion policy. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Chen, Yuan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Alternative vehicle supply and demand in the Chinese automobile market. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Adjemian, Michael K., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and Jeffrey Williams. (2010). Estimating spatial interdependence in automobile type choice with survey data. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 44, 661-675.
    [Published paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Is public transit's "green" reputation deserved?: Evaluating the effects of transit supply on air quality. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, Yuan Chen, David R. Heres, Khaled H. Kheiravar, Fujin Yi, Wei Zhang, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Environmental policies in the transportation sector: Taxes, subsidies, mandates, restrictions, and investment. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, Y. Hossein Farzin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2015). Public transit investment and sustainable transportation: A review of studies of transit's impact on traffic congestion and air quality. Research in Transportation Economics, 52, 15-22.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). The effects of urban public transit investment on traffic congestion and air quality. In Hamid Yaghoubi (Ed.), Urban Transport Systems (Chapter 6). InTech.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Chen, Yuan, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Yunshi Wang. (2020). The Chinese automobile industry and government policy. Research in Transportation Economics, 84, 100849.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Liu, Qingchun, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of public transportation and the built environment on the number of civilian vehicles in China. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Bremson, Joel, Alan Meier, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and Joan M. Ogden (2013). New approach to modeling large-scale transitions to alternative fuels and vehicles. Transportation Research Record, 2385, 61-69.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Handy, Susan, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Deborah Salon. (2015). Introduction to the special issue on Sustainable Transportation. Research in Transportation Economics, 52, 1-2.
    [Publication]


    • Environmental policy

  • Heres, David R., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Behavioral responses to price and quantity instruments: Theory and experimental evidence. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2024). A theory of regulatory federalism. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Aaron Smith. (2018). Designing climate policy: Lessons from the Renewable Fuel Standard and the blend wall. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 100 (2), 585-599.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Yi, Fujin, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Karen E. Thome. (2024). A dynamic model of subsidies: Theory and application to the ethanol industry. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2021). The design of renewable fuel mandates and cost containment mechanisms. Environmental and Resource Economics, 79, 213-247.
    [Working paper] [Published paper]

  • Si, Shuyang, Mingjie Lyu, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Song Chen. (2021). The effects of environmental policies in China on GDP, output, and profits. Energy Economics, 94, 105082.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2024). On the optimal allocation of regulatory power for public goods provision. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Zakerinia, Saleh, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Climate change policy: Dynamics, strategy, and the Kyoto Protocol. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Auffhammer, Maximilian, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, James Bushnell, Olivier Deschênes, and Junjie Zhang. (2016). Chapter 4. Economic considerations: Cost-effective and efficient climate policies. In Veerabhadran "Ram" Ramanathan (Ed.), Bending the Curve: Ten scalable solutions for carbon neutrality and climate stability. Collabra, 2 (1), Article 18, 1-14.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2010). How should standards be set and met?: On the allocation of regulatory power in a federal system. B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy: Topics, 10 (1), Article 51.
    [Published paper]

  • Beaudoin, Justin, Yuan Chen, David R. Heres, Khaled H. Kheiravar, Fujin Yi, Wei Zhang, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Environmental policies in the transportation sector: Taxes, subsidies, mandates, restrictions, and investment. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Call, Isabel, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of an emissions cap on agriculture. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Chen, Yuan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Fuel efficiency policies in the Chinese automobile market: Evidence from a random coefficients mixed oligopolistic differentiated products model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2001). The scholar as activist: A colloquium explores these dual roles. Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Bulletin, XXX (9), 1-3.
    [Publication]


    • Energy policy

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2017). Global gasoline prices: The need to raise gasoline taxes. Nature Energy, 2, Article 16206.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Zhang, Jiangshan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). The macroeconomic rebound effect in China. Energy Economics, 67, 202-212.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Si, Shuyang, Mingjie Lyu, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Song Chen. (2018). The effects of energy-related policies on energy consumption in China. Energy Economics, 76, 202-227.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Lea Prince. (2009). The optimal gas tax for California. Energy Policy, 37 (12), 5173-5183.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Corderi, David, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2011). Measuring the social rate of return to R&D in coal, petroleum and nuclear manufacturing: A study of the OECD countries. Energy Policy, 39 (5), 2780-2785.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Leighty, Wayne, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2012). Tax policy can change the production path: A model of optimal oil extraction in Alaska. Energy Policy, 41, 759-774.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Annex]

  • Corderi Novoa, David, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The rate of return to research and development in energy. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Chen, Yuan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Fuel efficiency policies in the Chinese automobile market: Evidence from a random coefficients mixed oligopolistic differentiated products model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2007). California's gasoline tax. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 1 (7), 5-8.
    [Publication]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Jieyin (Jean) Zeng. (2014). The optimal gasoline tax for China. Theoretical Economics Letters, 4 (4), 270-278.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2014). The benefits of investing in energy research and development. California State Controller John Chiang Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, 8 (8).
    [Publication]

  • Si, Shuyang, Mingjie Lyu, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Song Chen. (2021). The effects of environmental policies in China on GDP, output, and profits. Energy Economics, 94, 105082.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2012). California should raise its gasoline tax. Energy Dimensions.
    [Blog]

  • Kheiravar, Khaled H., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of fuel subsidies on air quality: Evidence from the Iranian subsidy reform. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]


    • Air quality

  • Zhang, Wei, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Victoria I. Umanskaya. (2017). The effects of license plate-based driving restrictions on air quality: Theory and empirical evidence. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 82, 181-220.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, Daniel J. Jacob, and Arlene M. Fiore. (2001). Trends in exceedances of the ozone air quality standard in the continental United States, 1980-1998. Atmospheric Environment, 35, 3217-3228.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, Daniel J. Jacob, J. William Munger, and Arlene M. Fiore. (2000). Increasing background ozone in surface air over the United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 27 (21), 3465-3468.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2010). A spatial econometric approach to measuring pollution externalities: An application to ozone smog. Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy, 40 (1), 1-19.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2012). Using spatial econometrics to measure ozone pollution externalities. Journal of Environmental Protection, 3 (9A), 1117-1123.
    [Published paper]

  • Kheiravar, Khaled H., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of fuel subsidies on air quality: Evidence from the Iranian subsidy reform. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Li, Dingyi, Shanjun Li, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Pollution avoidance and willingness-to-pay: Evidence from travel mode choice in Beijing. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). California's agriculture-related air pollution policy. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4 (8A1), 24-27.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2011). An assessment of the effectiveness of California's local air pollution controls on agricultural sources. In M. Khallaf (Ed.), The Impact of Air Pollution on Health, Economy, Environment and Agricultural Sources (pp. 323-330). InTech.
    [Publication]


    • Climate change

  • Auffhammer, Maximilian, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, James Bushnell, Olivier Deschênes, and Junjie Zhang. (2016). Chapter 4. Economic considerations: Cost-effective and efficient climate policies. In Veerabhadran "Ram" Ramanathan (Ed.), Bending the Curve: Ten scalable solutions for carbon neutrality and climate stability. Collabra, 2 (1), Article 18, 1-14.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Zakerinia, Saleh, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Climate change policy: Dynamics, strategy, and the Kyoto Protocol. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lade, Gabriel E., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Aaron Smith. (2018). Designing climate policy: Lessons from the Renewable Fuel Standard and the blend wall. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 100 (2), 585-599.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). The effects of climate change on agricultural groundwater extraction. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Heres, David R., and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2011). California's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions reduction policies. In Ibon Galarraga, Mikel Gonzalez-Eguino, and Anil Markandya (Eds.), Handbook of Sustainable Energy (pp. 555-573). United Kingdom: Edward Elgar.
    [Publication]

  • Ramanathan, Veerabhadran, Juliann E. Allison, Maximilian Auffhammer, David Auston, Anthony D. Barnosky, Lifang Chiang, William D. Collins, Steven J. Davis, Fonna Forman, Susanna B. Hecht, Daniel M. Kammen, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Teenie Matlock, Daniel Press, Doug Rotman, Scott Samuelsen, Gina Solomon, David G. Victor, Byron Washom, and Jon Christensen. (2016). Chapter 1. Bending the curve: Ten scalable solutions for carbon neutrality and climate stability. In Veerabhadran "Ram" Ramanathan (Ed.), Bending the Curve: Ten scalable solutions for carbon neutrality and climate stability. Collabra, 2 (1), Article 15, 1-17.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). The effects of climate change on crop choice and agricultural variety. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Ramanathan, Veerabhadran, Juliann E. Allison, Maximilian Auffhammer, David Auston, Anthony D. Barnosky, Lifang Chiang, William D. Collins, Steven J. Davis, Fonna Forman, Susanna B. Hecht, Daniel Kammen, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Teenie Matlock, Daniel Press, Doug Rotman, Scott Samuelsen, Gina Solomon, David G. Victor, and Byron Washom. (2015). Executive Summary. Bending the Curve: 10 Scalable Solutions for Carbon Neutrality and Climate Stability. University of California systemwide report, University of California.
    [Publication]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). Climate change, groundwater, crop choice, and irrigation technology: A review of recent studies. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2024). The effects of Nature on learning in games. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Ramanathan, Veerabhadran, Daniel M. Kammen, Fonna Forman, Jon Christensen, Lifang Chiang, Juliann E. Allison, Maximilian Auffhammer, David Auston, Anthony D. Barnosky, William D. Collins, Steven J. Davis, Susanna B. Hecht, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell Teenie Matlock, Daniel Press, Doug Rotman, Scott Samuelsen, Gina Solomon, and Byron Washom. (2024). Ten scalable solutions for bending the climate change curve the California way. Working paper.
    [Working paper]


    • Water quality

  • Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia, Krishna P. Paudel, and Mahesh Pandit. (2018). One shape does not fit all: A nonparametric instrumental variable approach to estimating the income-pollution relationship at the global level. Water Resources and Economics, 21, 3-16.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Zachary D. Liscow. (2013). Endogeneity in the environmental Kuznets curve: An instrumental variables approach. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 95 (2), 268-274.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Appendix A (tables)] [Appendix B (figures)]


    • Minerals

  • Zhang, Wei, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). Market power in nonrenewable resource markets: An empirical dynamic model. Land Economics, 93 (1), 74-86.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia, and Gernot Wagner. (2007). Steady-state growth in a Hotelling model of resource extraction. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 54 (1), 68-83.
    [Published paper]


    • Natural disasters

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2010). Instability, investment, disasters, and demography: Natural disasters and fertility in Italy (1820-1962) and Japan (1671-1965). Population and Environment, 31 (4), 255-281.
    [Published paper]


    • Fisheries

  • Jardine, Sunny L., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin, and James N. Sanchirico. (2014). Measuring benefits from a marketing cooperative in the Copper River Fishery. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 96 (4), 1084-1101.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper] [Appendix]

  • Shin, Brian B., Jon M. Conrad, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). On the optimality of a fishery moratorium. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Conrad, Jon M., C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Brian B. Shin. (2024). On the optimal moratorium in an overfished fishery: The case of Canadian cod. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]


    • Forests

  • Wu, Tong, David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Jiancheng Zhao, and Ariel Ortiz-Bobea. (2024). Optimal forest management for interdependent products: A nested stochastic dynamic bioeconomic model and application to bamboo. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Wu, Tong, David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Jiancheng Zhao, Zhangjun Fei, Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, and Qiang Wei. (2024). Optimal forest management under uncertainty: A framework for stochastic dynamic bioeconomic modeling. International Business Analytics Conference Proceedings, 1 (1), 56-61.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]


    • Sustainability

  • Sears, Louis, Joseph Caparelli, Clouse Lee, Devon Pan, Gillian Strandberg, Linh Vuu, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2018). Jevons' Paradox and efficient irrigation technology. Sustainability, 10 (5), 1590.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Sears, Louis, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2019). Water management and economics. In Gail L. Cramer, Krishna P. Paudel, and Andrew Schmitz (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Economics (pp. 269-284). London: Routledge.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Lhermie, Guillaume, Didier Wernlii, Peter Søgaard Jørgensen, Donald Kenkel, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Loren William Tauer, and Yrjo Tapio Gröhn. (2019). Tradeoffs between resistance to antimicrobials in public health and their use in agriculture: Moving towards sustainability assessment. Ecological Economics, 166, 106427.
    [Working paper] [Published paper]

  • Yeh, D. Adeline, Miguel I. Gómez, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Sustainable pest management, beliefs, and behavior: A dynamic bioeconomic analysis. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Clare L. Casteel, Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Organic farming transitions: A dynamic bioeconomic model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Organic farming, soil health, and farmer perceptions: A dynamic structural econometric model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Clare L. Casteel, Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Optimal sustainable pest and soil management for farmers: A dynamic bioeconomic modeling framework. International Business Analytics Conference Proceedings, 1 (1), 195-201.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]


    • Energy and Growth

  • Zhang, Jiangshan, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2017). The macroeconomic rebound effect in China. Energy Economics, 67, 202-212.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Si, Shuyang, Mingjie Lyu, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Song Chen. (2021). The effects of environmental policies in China on GDP, output, and profits. Energy Economics, 94, 105082.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Aghaei, Majid, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (forthcoming). Energy, economic growth, inequality, and poverty in Iran. Singapore Economic Review.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]


    • Pollination

  • Wilcox, Steven W., David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Miguel I. Gómez, and Heather Grab. (2024). To (rent) bees or not to (rent) bees?: An examination of the farmer's question. Working paper, Utah State University, Cornell University, and Penn State University.
    [Working paper] [Appendix]

  • Wilcox, Steven W., David R. Just, Heather Grab, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, D. Adeline Yeh. (2024). Apple pollination costs and strategies: Trends and outlook. Working paper, Utah State University, Cornell University, and Penn State University.
    [Working paper]


    • Agriculture

  • Carroll, Christine L., Colin A. Carter, Rachael E. Goodhue, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The economics of decision-making for crop disease control. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Carroll, Christine L., Colin A. Carter, Rachael E. Goodhue, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2019). Crop disease and agricultural productivity: Evidence from a dynamic structural model of Verticillium wilt management. In Wolfram Schlenker (Ed.), Agricultural Productivity and Producer Behavior (pp. 217-249). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
    [Manuscript (most recent)] [NBER working paper (June 2017)] [Publication]

  • Yeh, D. Adeline, Miguel I. Gómez, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Sustainable pest management, beliefs, and behavior: A dynamic bioeconomic analysis. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Clare L. Casteel, Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Organic farming transitions: A dynamic bioeconomic model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Wilcox, Steven W., David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Miguel I. Gómez, and Heather Grab. (2024). To (rent) bees or not to (rent) bees?: An examination of the farmer's question. Working paper, Utah State University and Cornell University.
    [Working paper] [Appendix]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Organic farming, soil health, and farmer perceptions: A dynamic structural econometric model. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Carroll, Christine L., Colin A. Carter, Rachael E. Goodhue, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Supply chain externalities and agricultural disease. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Carroll, Christine L., Colin A. Carter, Rachael E. Goodhue, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Krishna V. Subbarao. (2018). A review of control options and externalities for Verticillium wilts. Phytopathology, 108 (2), 160-171.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2014). The effects of energy prices on agricultural groundwater extraction from the High Plains Aquifer. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 96 (5), 1349-1362.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Carroll, Christine L., Colin A. Carter, Rachael E. Goodhue, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Krishna V. Subbarao. (2017). The economics of managing Verticillium wilt, an imported disease in California lettuce. California Agriculture, 71 (3),178-183.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Wu, Tong, David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Jiancheng Zhao, and Ariel Ortiz-Bobea. (2024). Optimal forest management for interdependent products: A nested stochastic dynamic bioeconomic model and application to bamboo. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Lhermie, Guillaume, Didier Wernlii, Peter Søgaard Jørgensen, Donald Kenkel, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Loren William Tauer, and Yrjo Tapio Gröhn. (2019). Tradeoffs between resistance to antimicrobials in public health and their use in agriculture: Moving towards sustainability assessment. Ecological Economics, 166, 106427.
    [Working paper] [Published paper]

  • Pfeiffer, Lisa, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin. (2012). Groundwater pumping and spatial externalities in agriculture. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 64 (1), 16-30.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Call, Isabel, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). The effects of an emissions cap on agriculture. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Si, Shuyang, James A. Chalfant, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Fujin Yi. (2024). The effects of China's biofuel policies on agricultural and ethanol markets. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). The effects of climate change on agricultural groundwater extraction. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]

  • Meneses, Michael A., Clare L. Casteel, Miguel I. Gómez, David R. Just, Ravi Kanbur, David R. Lee, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2024). Optimal sustainable pest and soil management for farmers: A dynamic bioeconomic modeling framework. International Business Analytics Conference Proceedings, 1 (1), 195-201.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Sears, Louis, David Lim, and C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell. (2018). The economics of agricultural groundwater management institutions: The case of California. Water Economics and Policy, 4 (3), 1850003.
    [Manuscript] [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2013). California's agriculture-related air pollution policy. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4 (8A1), 24-27.
    [Published paper]

  • Lin, C.-Y. Cynthia. (2011). An assessment of the effectiveness of California's local air pollution controls on agricultural sources. In M. Khallaf (Ed.), The Impact of Air Pollution on Health, Economy, Environment and Agricultural Sources (pp. 323-330). InTech.
    [Publication]

  • Wu, Tong, David R. Just, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, Jiancheng Zhao, Zhangjun Fei, Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, and Qiang Wei. (2024). Optimal forest management under uncertainty: A framework for stochastic dynamic bioeconomic modeling. International Business Analytics Conference Proceedings, 1 (1), 56-61.
    [Manuscript] [Publication]

  • Bertone Oehninger, Ernst, C.-Y. Cynthia Lin Lawell, and Michael R. Springborn. (2024). The effects of climate change on crop choice and agricultural variety. Working paper, Cornell University.
    [Working paper]