Welcome back to Fraser Insight, the Fraser Institute’s U.S. newsletter.

This springtime issue of Insight is highlighted by news that the Fraser Institute has been named a Center of Excellence by the University of Pennsylvania’s latest Global Go To Think Tank Index—an honor that places the Institute among an elite group of policy research organizations globally. The annual survey ranks the Institute 14th out of more than 11,000 organizations worldwide. Read more about this recognition in our In Context section.

As always, our In Print section showcases timely commentaries, op-eds and blogs. This issue features pieces discussing the long-term consequences of government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the drawbacks of so-called “green energy,” and several other articles discussing the troubling impact of new energy policies.

Speaking of energy, the In Focus section includes a study on energy-sector competitiveness that labels Oklahoma the most attractive jurisdiction for oil and gas investment in North America, followed by Kansas and Texas. Six other U.S. jurisdictions rank in the top 10. In Focus also features the latest in our Essential Scholars series: a book examining the work of David Hume.

We encourage you to share Fraser Insight with friends and colleagues by inviting them to sign up for Insight here. Visit our website, which serves as a storehouse for cogent commentary and in-depth analysis—all from a free-market perspective. Follow us on Twitter. Join us on Facebook. And check out the In Touch section for more contact info.

The people of Hong Kong deserve to have their descent into tyranny recorded, and history deserves a record of the Chinese Communist Party’s suppression of what was once the freest place on the planet.

Thanks to the COVID pandemic, many of those in up-and-coming generations will earn less, learn less, and experience increased rates of unemployment and reduced health outcomes than older generations.

When severe cold caused millions in Texas to lose power, many voices pointed to frozen wind turbines and blamed the crisis on “green energy.” Defenders of renewable energy argued that the true culprit was frozen natural gas lines, thus implicitly admitting that wind and solar are not reliable.

Why is the world of 2021 so vastly more rich and more free than the world of 1721 or 1421 or 1121?

Texas has gone further in the pursuit of wind and solar power than people generally understand.

By announcing the imminent revocation of the Line 5 easement, Michigan’s governor is imposing economic hardship on millions of Americans and Canadians.

The Biden administration’s long-anticipated termination of the Keystone XL pipeline project puts the cap on what may become the definitive icon of environmental project killing.

On inauguration day, President Joe Biden revoked the permit for the $10-billion Keystone XL pipeline, citing environmental concerns.

Expect a dramatic change in governance in the United States, including the restoration of a rules-based trade regime and increased tax rates.

David Hume is a towering figure in political economy, producing enduring insights on topics such as debt, interest, trade, and the origins and limits of political obedience. He was the preeminent philosopher in what is now called the Scottish Enlightenment, a time “crowded with genius” and in a place regarded as the rebirth of the golden era of Athens. His writing displayed an astonishing range, addressing everything from metaphysics to politics. In subject after subject, he produced fresh, novel, brilliant insights.

This report identifies barriers to investment in oil and gas exploration and production facilities in U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions, using survey responses that rank those jurisdictions according to the extent of such barriers. Those barriers, as assessed by survey respondents, include high tax rates, costly regulatory obligations, uncertainty over environmental regulations, and the interpretation and administration of regulations governing the “upstream” petroleum industry, as well as concerns over political stability and security of personnel and equipment. Oklahoma is the most attractive jurisdiction for oil and gas investment, followed by Kansas and Texas. Six other U.S. jurisdictions also ranked in the top 10: Arkansas (4th), Utah (5th), North Dakota (6th), Wyoming (7th), Mississippi (9th) and New Mexico (10th).

The Fraser Institute continues to draw praise from public policy experts and think tank peers around the world, ranking 14th out of more than 11,000 organizations on the University of Pennsylvania’s latest Global Go To Think Tank Index. In addition, the annual survey has named the Fraser Institute a Center of Excellence—an honor that places the Institute among an elite group of institutions recognized for a sustained commitment to quality and excellence in public policy research.

Along with the top-15 ranking overall and Center of Excellence recognition, the University of Pennsylvania ranks the Fraser Institute 2nd in the world for social policy research; 6th in the world for health policy research; 11th in the world for best use of external relations and public engagement; and 15th in the world for most innovative policy ideas.

“Our ranking as one of the best think tanks in the world and, in addition, being acknowledged as a Center of Excellence is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our diverse team across Canada and the United States,” said Niels Veldhuis, Fraser Institute president.