David Vail
David’s current research and policy advising activities focus on the climate crisis and renewable energy strategy, with an emphasis on Maine and New England. He participates in the Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Economics Research Network, is a member of the Solar Energy Association of Maine board of directors and serves on (and formerly chaired) the Coastal Enterprises Inc. Policy Committee.
David frequently contributes opinion pieces to Maine’s two major daily newspapers, the Portland Press Herald and the Bangor Daily News. Four recent “op-eds” are:
- Opinion: Is Maine doing enough to prevent and limit wildfires? Portland Press Herald. 24 March. 2024.
- Opinion: A Trump victory will be a climate catastrophe. Portland Press Herald. 16 July, 2024.
- “Trump administration could snuff out offshore wind”. Portland Press Herald. 7 November 2024. (https://www.pressherald.com/2024/11/07/opinion-bad-news-is-blowing-in-the-wind/ )
- “The health of Maine’s forests is improving, but threats remain”. Bangor Daily News. 3 October 2022. (https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/10/03/opinion/opinion-contributor/maine-forests-threats/ ) with Jym St. Pierre
In the years leading up to retirement in 2011, David’s research centered on the feasibility of grass biomass as a source of renewable energy (a National Science Foundation project with colleagues at the University of Maine Presque Isle) and the development of ecotourism quality brands (in collaboration with the Swedish Ecotourism Association and the Maine Woods Consortium). He also directed the Maine Center for Economic Policy’s rural development project, “Spreading Prosperity to ALL of Maine.” (Publications stemming from those projects are listed in the attached C.V.)
David’s favorite pastimes include organic gardening, sea kayaking, and swimming. As a US Masters swimmer, David is a four-time gold medalist at the National Senior Games. He has been inducted into the New England Masters Hall of Fame, the Maine Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame, and the Senior Games Hall of Fame.
Education
- PhD, Economics, Yale University, 1971
- BA, International Affairs, Princeton University, 1965