Houston Advanced Research Center

HARC's energy research program includes identifying and supporting cost-effective, practical energy solutions to speed the transition to a decarbonized system. Making the transition to clean energy will require a coordinated effort led by non-partisan entities. HARC's continued effort will guide policymakers and industry leaders toward improvements in areas such as electric power resilience, energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, and low impact oil and gas exploration.(Continued on Schedule O)The key research objectives of the energy research program are: - Accelerate the adoption of resilient clean energy technologies.- Provide applied research to increase the implementation of clean energy policies.- Create solutions that lessen the environmental and social impacts of oil and gas development.

HARC's air quality research and management program includes air quality modeling, emission reduction technologies, emissions monitoring technology and policy. In addition, researchers study regional impacts of and adaptations to climate change. The air research program is multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional; objective and non-partisan. The result is a dynamic partnership that integrates rigorous research and policy assessment in a way that has become a HARC trademark in the region.Key research objectives:- Advance the science of regional air quality monitoring and modeling- Develop emissions-reducing technology- Communicate climate change science and policy

HARC's water research program emphasizes water quality and quantity, watershed management, biodiversity and ecological function, and ecosystem informatics. HARC compiles and analyzes numerous databases describing environmental quality, biological and water resources, and aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Integration, analysis, and dissemination of information regarding important water issues is considered key to advancing more sustainable management of coastal watersheds, water supplies, and water quality.(Continued on Schedule O)The key research objectives of the water research program are: - Analyze the links between water researchers, ecosystems and people in support of watershed planning, coastal management, and the provision of ecosystem services.- Provide applied research to increase the implementation of clean water quality policies.- Deliver information and resources for the greater region through targeted research programs.