Michael Ratliff is a writer, editor, researcher and public policy analyst focusing on the clean energy transition. This space, still a work in progress, is home to a small but growing selection of Michael’s essays and policy writing.
Michael worked for more than a decade in editorial and communications strategy positions in corporate, nonprofit and political settings. His clients have included former members of Congress, national political analysts and business executives. He has helped these public figures tell their stories in speeches, messaging campaigns, articles and op-eds published in HuffPost, Politico and various trade publications.
Michael left the comms profession to pursue a master’s in public policy at the University of Chicago, which he completed, with honors, in 2024. He is now seeking a career in policy research, analysis, advocacy and implementation, with a primary interest in the clean energy transition.
Contact Michael at mwratliff88 at gmail dot com.
Energy & Climate Policy
Net-Zero Necessity: The Case for Long-Term Operation of U.S. Nuclear Reactors
Nearly half of U.S. nuclear reactors will reach the end of their operating licenses between now and 2039. Failure to renew these licenses will spell disaster for the clean energy transition. How can the U.S. secure the long-term operation of its existing nuclear fleet? October 2024
Voters Deserve a More Serious Dialogue About Housing and American Cities
Cities are engines that drive U.S. innovation and economic growth, but they all lack sufficient affordable housing. Boosting urban housing supply would mitigate this problem — and also advance climate and economic equity priorities. It’s a policy platform worth considering for anyone running for national office. January 2024
Who’s Driving the EV Infrastructure Build-Out? Regulated Utilities and Transportation Electrification
The U.S. is in the early stages of a $90 billion effort to build a national network of 500,000 EV charging stations. In dozens of states, regulated utilities have been permitted to extend their monopolies to finance this crucial infrastructure. Is this an acceptable solution to a vexing policy challenge? May 2023