Senior Fellow

Robert Brenner joined the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions as a senior fellow in October 2011. At the Institute, he is assessing the cost-effective technologies, policies and regulatory approaches that can be used, in conjunction with the Clean Air Act, to meet air quality goals for multiple pollutants and sources.

Prior to joining Duke, Brenner served the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 32 years before retiring in August 2011 from his role as Director of the Office of Policy Analysis and Review at the Office of Air and Radiation, where he was focused on finding innovative, cost-effective ways to implement the Act—particularly through the use of market-based approaches such as emissions trading and other economic incentives.

Before starting with the EPA in 1979, Brenner worked at Princeton University's Center for International Studies. He holds both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in economics and public policy from Princeton University.