News

Here at The Center for Growth and Opportunity, we have a unique way of confronting challenges. Relentless optimism. Bold commitment. Fearless innovation. We want to leave the world a better place than when we got here. Whether it’s our award-winning students, or our world-class researchers, we look to work together to find creative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. We’re committed to turning ideas into action.

Op-ed: A Reset for the Renewable Fuels Standard?

The environmental record for biofuels is bleak, but upcoming regulatory reviews offer a chance to change course.

Op-ed: Soliciting donations from jurors can bias criminal court verdicts

Every year, millions of Americans file into courthouses for jury duty. They form a critical pillar of the criminal justice system.

CGO Research Published in Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance

Aaron Hedlund and Carlos Garriga recently had their CGO working paper published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance.

Radio: Megan E. Jenkins Discusses ESA Changes on American Viewpoints

Can we protect endangered species by relying more on private property owners? Megan Jenkins discusses with American Viewpoints.

Protecting immigrants boosts US stocks

Given the benefits of TPS, policymakers should be creating legal pathways to citizenship for the people that make this country great.

Op-ed: Changes to the Endangered Species Act will benefit endangered plants and animals

The changes to the ESA are likely to benefit endangered species by creating incentives for private landowners to be involved in conservation.

Op-ed: Want To Help Immigrants? Reform Occupational Licensing Restrictions

Latinos are a large portion of the American electorate, and issues that are important to them will be a big part of 2020 election strategies.

Op-ed: Should We Focus on Highway Expansion to Reduce Congestion?

Variable tolling is an effective approach to reducing congestion. It would lead to a more efficient travel experience for drivers.

Op-ed: Block the misuse of facial recognition, not the tech itself

Joining in the public debate over facial recognition, presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has called for a ban of the technology.

Op-ed: The Right Way to Shape Our Low-Carbon Future

Limiting our energy portfolio reduces our options for achieving the ultimate goal of dramatically reducing carbon emissions.

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Op-ed: Unnecessary Regulation Headaches for Workers, Business Worst in these States

States should consider how they can promote business growth by creating purposeful and less burdensome licensing requirements.

Megan E. Jenkins Discusses Improving Public Lands Management On C-Span

Megan E. Hansen discusses the Antiquities Act and suggestions for how to improve public lands management on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal.

Journal on Migration and Human Security Publishes CGO Immigration Research

Pia Orrenius and Madeline Zavodny’s recent working paper for the CGO was published in the Journal on Migration and Human Security.

Op-ed: Is Big Tech biased?

If one thing brings Americans of different political persuasions together, it’s worrying about the direction of the tech industry.

Radio: Megan E. Jenkins talks public lands on Lars Larson Show

Megan E. Jenkins, CGO Research Director, discusses what can be done to balance national land and public need.

image of two construction workers on the roof of an unfinished home

Op-ed: Tax Reform Contributes to Utah’s Economic Success

Conversations about starting to tax services, which currently go largely untaxed in Utah, have been taking place for some time now.

Radio: Christopher Koopman on American Radio Journal

Koopman talks with American Radio Journal’s Lowman Henry about the impact of consumers on anti-trust actions against big tech firms.

Op-ed: How to Protect Monuments and Local Communities

The Antiquities Act gives the president broad decision-making power, creating uncertainty and conflict over how public lands will be managed.

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Op-ed: APPA Opinion on Electric Rates Misses Mark, Retail Choice Better For Customers: Academics

State regulation is no longer achieving its intended results. Competition is protecting consumers just as well as state regulators.

Podcast: Brian Isom Discusses How Policy Changes Can Reduce Wildfires

CGO Research Manager Brian Isom was a guest on the Next Round podcast of the Pacific Research Institute. He discussed wildfires.

Image of highway through a city crowded with cars

Podcast: Robert Krol Discusses Highway Expansion, Tolls, and Congestion

Dr. Robert Krol was a guest on Economics Detective Radio to discuss the policy paper he wrote for the CGO about urban traffic congestion.

Op-ed: National Park Entry Fees Are Vital

Entry fees play an important role in maintaining the infrastructure and ecological integrity of our national parks.

CGO Scholar Published by American Economic Association

The CGO's Aaron Hedlund recently published a paper with the American Economic Association in the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics.

Op-ed: If you love forests, let them burn

The US has made strides towards the nation’s impact on the environment. But one place where we are failing is management of our forests.

The new identity politics

China is using facial recognition and a network of cameras to identify and track Uighurs, a Muslim minority in China’s Xinjiang region.

Smith Testifies Before Colorado House Finance Committee

CGO Research Manager Josh T. Smith testified before the Colorado state legislature’s House Finance Committee on April 17, 2019.

Image of Joshua Lyman explaining his research

CGO Undergrad Fellow Joshua Lyman Wins Prize During USU Research Week

Undergraduate Fellow Joshua Lyman recently presented his research project during USU's Student Research Symposium.

Image of Rebekah Yeagley holding 1st place APEE plaque

Rebekah Yeagley Wins Undergraduate Research Competition

Economics major and CGO Research Fellow Rebekah Yeagley recently attended the 2019 conference for the APEE.

Op-ed: Want border security? Drop the wall and welcome more immigrants

In today’s border debate, there is a misguided sentiment that immigrants crossing the border are violent and should be kept away.

Op-ed: The US Biofuel Mandate Does More Harm Than Good

Despite decades-old industry promises that ethanol cleans up emissions, research shows these claims don't hold true.