Multiobjective programming and planning

Multiobjective programming and plannin

System-wide and Superemitter Policy Options for the Abatement of Methane Emissions from the U.S. Natural Gas System

This work assesses trade-offs between <i>system-wide</i> and <i>superemitter</i> policy options for reducing methane emissions from compressor stations in the U.S. transmission and storage system. Leveraging recently collected national emissions and activity data sets, we developed a new process-based emissions model implemented in a Monte Carlo simulation framework to estimate emissions for each component and facility in the system. We find that approximately 83% of emissions, given the existing suite of technologies, have the potential to be abated, with only a few emission categories comprising a majority of emissions. We then formulate optimization models to determine optimal abatement strategies. Most emissions across the system (approximately 80%) are efficient to abate, resulting in net benefits ranging from $160M to$1.2B annually across the system. The private cost burden is minimal under standard and tax instruments, and if firms market the abated natural gas, private net benefits may be generated. Superemitter policies, namely, those that target the highest emitting facilities, may reduce the private cost burden and achieve high emission reductions, especially if emissions across facilities are highly skewed. However, detection across all facilities is necessary regardless of the policy option and there are nontrivial net benefits resulting from abatement of relatively low-emitting sources

The Benefits of Diversity for Education at Carnegie Mellon Report Commissioned by the President’s Diversity Advisory Council- Carnegie Mellon. Researched and written by Committee chaired by Dr. Susan A. Ambrose, Associate Provost for Education

A year ago our university’s Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) commissioned a group of our colleagues to articulate the benefits of diversity vis-à-vis a Carnegie Mellon education. Our Council worked closely with them to create the following manuscript that I believe expresses the value of our continuing work to nurture a diverse educational environment. Student members of the DAC expressed support of the document and felt it resonated with their perspectives. I hope you will take the time to read this report and share the sentiments it expresses with those you come in contact with