CASI Speaker Dr. Francois Melese on Benefits and Risks of California Air Emissions Mandates

Noted U.S. economist Francois Melese will discuss California’s latest proposals to regulate vehicle and emission standards. He will explore anticipated climate and health benefits as well as the real world costs, including energy poverty. There are surprising revelations about the societal costs, which mainly impact low and moderate income populations; moreover, there is a surprising lack of environmental benefit to the California vehicle mandates.

Dr. Melese will also offer practical tips for student writers participating in CASI’s 2025 Writing Contest, sharing insights into contemporary challenges. from energy and health care policy to pension issues and the national debt.

Dr. Melese is Emeritus Professor of Economics at the Naval Postgraduate School and former Executive Director of the Defense Resources Management Institute. He has over 30 years of experience conducting courses and workshops for senior U.S. and international civilian and military officials. He has served as an advisor to NATO, the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. Navy Seals, and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has also represented the United States as a speaker and moderator at NATO meetings throughout Europe, and helped launch NATO’s “Building Integrity” program. He is an author and co-editor of the book, Military Cost-Benefit Analysis: Theory & Practice. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for student authors to interact with Dr Melese and other CASI mentors including distinguished artists.