Robert P. Murphy, PhD - Alternative Energy - ProCon.org

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Robert P. Murphy, PhD Biography
Title:	Economist at the Institute for Energy Research
Position:	Con to the question "Can Alternative Energy Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels?"
Reasoning:	"[R]enewable fuels will constitute a part of our energy mix in the future, but they represent only a tiny fraction of our energy needs and won’t lead us out of the economic and environmental wilderness... Taking into account the EIA’s projected increases in electricity demand, the renewable sector would need to grow 19% per year for 22 years consecutively to meet U.S. demand by the year 2030. Clearly, these targets are overly ambitious and impractical." "The High Costs of 'Green Recovery,'" Forbes, Nov. 15, 2008
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:	Experts Individuals with PhDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to alternative energy or fossil fuel issues. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to alternative energy or fossil fuel issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:	Senior Fellow, Business & Economic Studies, Pacific Research Institute, Sep. 2007 – present Economist, Institute for Energy Research, May 2007 – present Research Analyst, Laffer Associates, Sep. 2006 – June 2007 Visiting Scholar, New York University, June 2006 – Aug. 2006 Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics, Hillsdale College, Aug. 2003 – May 2006
Education:	PhD, Economics, New York University, Spring 2003 BA, magna cum laude, Economics, Hillsdale College, 1998
Contact Info:	Phone: 415-989-0833 (Pacific Research Institute) Fax: 415-989-2411 (Pacific Research Institute) Email: [email protected] Website: Personal website
Select Publications:	"The High Costs of 'Green Recovery,'" Forbes, Nov. 15, 2008 “Soaking the Rich Won’t Solve Boom-and-Bust Cycles,” San Jose Mercury News, July 23, 2008 “Rising Demand, Weak Dollar Cause Pain at the Pump,” Buffalo News, June 23, 2008 “Socialized Oil Can’t Replace Market Sense,” Investor’s Business Daily, Dec. 13, 2007 The Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism, 2007
Other:	None found
Quoted in:	1. Will Alternative Energy Development Create More Jobs?