The 30th installment of Camp Resources, a conference for graduate students researching environmental economics, was held earlier this month in Asheville, North Carolina. Launched in 1993 by former ARE Professor Kerry Smith, the conference has been a unique opportunity for graduate students beginning their academic careers.

Now led by Professor Roger von Haefen of NC State’s Center for Environmental & Resource Economic Policy (CEnREP), this year’s event drew 58 attendees, including 30 graduate student presenters, eight other student participants and 20 senior mentors from across the country. The group explored pressing environmental issues through research presentations, discussions and networking opportunities.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Eli Fenichel, who recently returned to Yale University after serving at the White House. Fenichel’s presentation, “Underexplored Areas in Environmental Economics and the Demand for New Environmental Economics,” focused on the critical needs in environmental policy.

Camp Resources has remained a cornerstone for graduate students in environmental economics, fostering collaboration, mentorship and academic growth. As the conference looks to the future, it continues to be a launching pad for the next generation of environmental economists.