Benjamin Leard

Benjamin Leard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics and the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a University Fellow at Resources for the Future (RFF). His research focuses on environmental economics, industrial organization, and public policy, with an emphasis on transportation and energy markets. Prior to UT, he was a fellow at RFF in Washington, D.C.

Leard holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Cornell University and a B.S. in Economics and Mathematics from James Madison University. His work examines topics such as vehicle scrappage policies, consumer valuation of fuel efficiency, and the effectiveness of climate policies.

His recent articles analyze trends in vehicle survival rates, electric vehicle adoption, and the implications of fuel economy standards. Key themes include sustainable transportation, carbon emission reduction strategies, and regulatory design. His research bridges theoretical economic models with real-world policy applications, contributing to debates on climate change mitigation and market-driven solutions.

Leard’s affiliations with RFF reflect his engagement with applied policy research. His work is widely cited in discussions on energy markets, environmental regulations, and consumer behavior in transportation sectors.