Commentary
I write about how people bring prosperity. I concentrate in immigration policy, occupational licensing, and electricity market regulation. Let me know what you think: @smithtjosh.
2021
"Utah is making the right moves on licensing rules," February 10, 2021. Deseret News. With Ed Timmons.
"Opening the US to Hong Kongers Would Promote America’s Aims," January 7, 2021. Inside Sources.
2020
"The U.S. (and Utah) should give Hongkongers a new home," August 26, 2020. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"Surprise Trump immigration deal would boost US economy," February 23, 2020. The Hill.
2019
"Protecting immigrants boosts US stocks," August 27, 2019. Tribune News Service. With Ben Blau.
"Want To Help Immigrants? Reform Occupational Licensing Restrictions,"The Daily Caller.
“The Border Patrol’s problems aren’t about Facebook,” July 11, 2019. The Benchmark. With Christopher Koopman.
“You probably can’t pass the US citizenship test,” July 4, 2019. The Benchmark.
“Tax reform contributes to Utah’s economic success,” June 23, 2019. Utah Policy. With Jeremy Horpedahl.
“Immigrants bring prosperity,” June 13, 2019. The Benchmark.
“When “innovation” goes wrong,” May 10, 2019. The Benchmark.
“Optimism will save the world,” April 22, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Is America Full? Not even close,” April 12, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Want border security? Drop the wall and welcome more immigrants,” April 10, 2019. Washington Examiner. With Hane Crevelari.
"The US Biofuel Mandate Does More Harm Than Good,” April 9, 2019. RealClear Energy.
"Is America Full? Not even close,” April 12, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Want border security? Drop the wall and welcome more immigrants,” April 10, 2019. Washington Examiner. With Hane Crevelari.
"The US Biofuel Mandate Does More Harm Than Good,” April 9, 2019. RealClear Energy.
"Does our immigration system encourage crime?" March 22, 2019. The Benchmark.
“The US Economy has changed, tax policy should change too,” The Benchmark.
"Licensing Regulations Should be Tailored to the Relevant Risks,” Testimony before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee. February 13, 2019.
"Onerous Iowa occupational licensing laws limit opportunity and cost millions,” Des Moines Register. February 12, 2019. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"Walls Don't Stop Migrants, But Tariffs Might,” The Daily Caller. February 10, 2019. With Hane Crevelari. Republished by MSN.
"The Wall Won't Work,” February 6, 2019. RealClear Policy. Hannah Darrington. (Link).
"Licensing hurts, not helps, Utahns,” January 31, 2019. Deseret News. With Jacob Caldwell.
"The right strategy for handling general contractors,” January 30, 2019. Idaho State Journal. With Vidalia Cornwall.
"Banning flavored tobacco and vaping products does more harm than good,” January 29, 2019. The Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Parks Over Politics,” January 23, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Act Now to Keep Housing Affordable,” January 15, 2019. Catalyst. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"The shutdown is ruining our national parks,“ January 10, 2019. The Daily Caller. With Megan Hansen.
2018
"Trump is Wrong About Coal Subsidies,” December 17, 2018. The Daily Caller.
"We should be welcoming these families, not tear gassing them,” December 13, 2018. Newsday. With Christopher Koopman. Republished by Post Bulletin, the Bristol Herald Courier, Dothan Eagle, The Roanoke Times.
"Why the Trump Administration Should Stop Propping Up Coal,” November 28, 2018. The Fiscal Times. With Camille Harmer.
"The many benefits immigrants bring to the US,” November 16, 2018. The Roanoke Times. With Jesse Baker. Republished by Haodia, The Post Bulletin, the Dispatch-Argus, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the York Dispatch, The Monitor, Akron Beacon Journal, and ArcaMax.
"Ocasio-Cortez is Right: Amazon Subsidies Do More Harm Than Good,” November 16, 2018. The Daily Caller.
"New Incentives Can Help Protect Endangered Species,” October 23, 2018. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"The problem with metering solar energy customers,” October 3, 2018. The Hill.
“Episode 98: Josh Smith on Amazon, Cronyism, and HQ2,” MilLiberty. iTunes Link.
"Amazon’s Electricity Sweetheart Deal,” September 19, 2018. The American Conservative.
"Improving wildfire policy is good for more than just the environment,” August 29, 2018. Deseret News. With Camille Harmer.
"Utah's medical marijuana vote is no threat to religious liberty,” August 26, 2018. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"The moratorium on soda taxes puts California on the right track,” August 16, 2018. The Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"The lunacy of the licensing system,” August 2, 2018. UnHerd.
"Conservative Media Skew Story on 'Dreamer' Arrests,” July 12, 2018. RealClear Policy. With Jesse Baker.
"The Ineffectiveness of Renewable Portfolio Standards." July 9, 2018. Our Energy Policy.
"Energy Markets Serve National Security Better Than Favoritism,” June 25, 2018. RealClear Energy. With Camille Harmer.
"State renewable energy mandates can do more harm than good,” June 9, 2018. The Hill.
"The High Cost of Solar Mandates,” May 30, 2018. Market Urbanism. With Christopher Koopman.
"Telling Dreamers to 'get in line' misses the mark on immigration,” April 26, 2018. Deseret News.
"We Don't Need Climate Planners to be Our Population Planners,” February 25, 2018. Foundation for Economic Education.
"11 billion reasons to raise park entry fees,” February 13, 2018. Newsday. With Camille Harmer.
"Dreamers are Worth the Wall,” February 6, 2018. RealClear Policy. With James Feigenbaum.
"Fossil Fuels Necessary for Now,” February 5, 2018. The Daily Caller. With William F. Shughart II.
"Let the market determine energy sources' futures,” January 29, 2018. Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
"Germany shows how shifting to renewable energy can backfire,” January 17, 2018. The Hill. With Randy T. Simmons.
2013 - 2017
"Dreamers Deserve a Legislative Fix,” December 19, 2017. RealClear Policy.
"Net metering deal comes at the expense of ratepayers,” November 6, 2017. Deseret News.
"Don’t Shed Any Tears Over the Repeal of Cook County’s Soda Tax,” October 13, 2017. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Politics Sully Cost-Benefit Analysis of Regulations,” October 10, 2017. Inside Sources. With Camille Harmer. Republished by Sun Sentinel.
"Dreamers need a legal path to citizenship,” September 27, 2017. Deseret News.
"Everyone is Missing Something in the Grid Study,” September 14, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Public Funding for Private Stadiums is Bad Policy,” September 6, 2017. RealClear Sports.
"Fossil Fuel Subsidies Deter Innovation,” August 29, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Get Politics Out of Okaying Pipelines,” August 28, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Want to Save Species? Fix the Endangered Species Act,” August 10, 2017. RealClear Policy.
"Philly moves the goalposts on soda tax." August 10, 2017. Philadelphia Inquirer. With William F. Shughart II.
"Congressional Housing Subsidies Won’t Lower DC Housing Prices, But Liberalizing Zoning Will,” August 2, 2017. Market Urbanism.
"What the Bastrom oil spill says about effective regulation,” July 24, 2017. Austin American-Statesman.
"The ban on flavored tobacco: San Francisco’s nannies are at it again,” July 6, 2017. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Gov. Brian Sandoval did the right thing by vetoing stricter green portfolio standards for utilities,” July 1, 2017. Las Vegas Review-Journal.
"Prosperity, Not Soda Taxes, Foster Good Health,” June 7, 2017. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Politicians Don't Understand Energy Economics,” June 5, 2017. The Foundation for Economic Education.
"Santa Fe's rejection of soda tax a win for public health,” May 17, 2017. The Hill. With William F. Shughart II.
"Here Is The Simplest Way to Deter Illegal Immigrants,” May 9, 2017. Newsweek. With Ryan Yonk. Republished by Yahoo News, the Foundation for Economic Education, and the Park Record.
"On the Environment, the Greatest Story Seldom Told,” April 26, 2017. Inside Sources. With Megan Hansen.
"Boosting energy sector is about more than just cutting regulations,” April 6, 2017. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Taxing sugary soft drinks is paternalistic nonsense,” 2016, December 16. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Oakland's voters should stop soda tax,” October 25, 2016. East Bay Times. With William F. Shughart II.
"UK Deals Favors at Expense of Energy Consumers,” October 10, 2016. Inside Sources. With Ryan Yonk.
"Stop Subsidizing Coal Plants,” July 11, 2016. Medium. With Ryan Yonk.
”Subsidies cover up the cost of energy, whether green or fossil fuel,” June 23, 2016. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Philadelphia's Proposed Soda Tax is Government Manipulation,” May 12, 2016. The Daily Caller. With William F. Shughart II.
"Old Enough to Choose a President, but Not to Buy Cigarettes?" May 12, 2016. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Solar Power Investments Don't Pay Off,” May 3, 2016. Newsday. With Randy T. Simmons. Republished by The Detroit News.
"Public Lands and Political Order,” March 9 2016. Inside Sources. With Ryan Yonk. Republished by Austin American-Statesman, South Coast Today, the Post Register, and the Muscatine Journal.
"Soda Taxes morally, ethically bankrupt,” March 3, 2016. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Government forces taxpayers to subsidize alternative energy,” January 5, 2016. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"How to Close the Revolving Door,” October 27, 2015. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Immigration Reform Doesn’t Go Far Enough,” November 8 2013. Deseret News.
I write about how people bring prosperity. I concentrate in immigration policy, occupational licensing, and electricity market regulation. Let me know what you think: @smithtjosh.
2021
"Utah is making the right moves on licensing rules," February 10, 2021. Deseret News. With Ed Timmons.
"Opening the US to Hong Kongers Would Promote America’s Aims," January 7, 2021. Inside Sources.
2020
"The U.S. (and Utah) should give Hongkongers a new home," August 26, 2020. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"Surprise Trump immigration deal would boost US economy," February 23, 2020. The Hill.
2019
"Protecting immigrants boosts US stocks," August 27, 2019. Tribune News Service. With Ben Blau.
"Want To Help Immigrants? Reform Occupational Licensing Restrictions,"The Daily Caller.
“The Border Patrol’s problems aren’t about Facebook,” July 11, 2019. The Benchmark. With Christopher Koopman.
“You probably can’t pass the US citizenship test,” July 4, 2019. The Benchmark.
“Tax reform contributes to Utah’s economic success,” June 23, 2019. Utah Policy. With Jeremy Horpedahl.
“Immigrants bring prosperity,” June 13, 2019. The Benchmark.
“When “innovation” goes wrong,” May 10, 2019. The Benchmark.
“Optimism will save the world,” April 22, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Is America Full? Not even close,” April 12, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Want border security? Drop the wall and welcome more immigrants,” April 10, 2019. Washington Examiner. With Hane Crevelari.
"The US Biofuel Mandate Does More Harm Than Good,” April 9, 2019. RealClear Energy.
"Is America Full? Not even close,” April 12, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Want border security? Drop the wall and welcome more immigrants,” April 10, 2019. Washington Examiner. With Hane Crevelari.
"The US Biofuel Mandate Does More Harm Than Good,” April 9, 2019. RealClear Energy.
"Does our immigration system encourage crime?" March 22, 2019. The Benchmark.
“The US Economy has changed, tax policy should change too,” The Benchmark.
"Licensing Regulations Should be Tailored to the Relevant Risks,” Testimony before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee. February 13, 2019.
"Onerous Iowa occupational licensing laws limit opportunity and cost millions,” Des Moines Register. February 12, 2019. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"Walls Don't Stop Migrants, But Tariffs Might,” The Daily Caller. February 10, 2019. With Hane Crevelari. Republished by MSN.
"The Wall Won't Work,” February 6, 2019. RealClear Policy. Hannah Darrington. (Link).
"Licensing hurts, not helps, Utahns,” January 31, 2019. Deseret News. With Jacob Caldwell.
"The right strategy for handling general contractors,” January 30, 2019. Idaho State Journal. With Vidalia Cornwall.
"Banning flavored tobacco and vaping products does more harm than good,” January 29, 2019. The Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Parks Over Politics,” January 23, 2019. The Benchmark.
"Act Now to Keep Housing Affordable,” January 15, 2019. Catalyst. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"The shutdown is ruining our national parks,“ January 10, 2019. The Daily Caller. With Megan Hansen.
2018
"Trump is Wrong About Coal Subsidies,” December 17, 2018. The Daily Caller.
"We should be welcoming these families, not tear gassing them,” December 13, 2018. Newsday. With Christopher Koopman. Republished by Post Bulletin, the Bristol Herald Courier, Dothan Eagle, The Roanoke Times.
"Why the Trump Administration Should Stop Propping Up Coal,” November 28, 2018. The Fiscal Times. With Camille Harmer.
"The many benefits immigrants bring to the US,” November 16, 2018. The Roanoke Times. With Jesse Baker. Republished by Haodia, The Post Bulletin, the Dispatch-Argus, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the York Dispatch, The Monitor, Akron Beacon Journal, and ArcaMax.
"Ocasio-Cortez is Right: Amazon Subsidies Do More Harm Than Good,” November 16, 2018. The Daily Caller.
"New Incentives Can Help Protect Endangered Species,” October 23, 2018. With Rebekah Yeagley.
"The problem with metering solar energy customers,” October 3, 2018. The Hill.
“Episode 98: Josh Smith on Amazon, Cronyism, and HQ2,” MilLiberty. iTunes Link.
"Amazon’s Electricity Sweetheart Deal,” September 19, 2018. The American Conservative.
"Improving wildfire policy is good for more than just the environment,” August 29, 2018. Deseret News. With Camille Harmer.
"Utah's medical marijuana vote is no threat to religious liberty,” August 26, 2018. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"The moratorium on soda taxes puts California on the right track,” August 16, 2018. The Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"The lunacy of the licensing system,” August 2, 2018. UnHerd.
"Conservative Media Skew Story on 'Dreamer' Arrests,” July 12, 2018. RealClear Policy. With Jesse Baker.
"The Ineffectiveness of Renewable Portfolio Standards." July 9, 2018. Our Energy Policy.
"Energy Markets Serve National Security Better Than Favoritism,” June 25, 2018. RealClear Energy. With Camille Harmer.
"State renewable energy mandates can do more harm than good,” June 9, 2018. The Hill.
"The High Cost of Solar Mandates,” May 30, 2018. Market Urbanism. With Christopher Koopman.
"Telling Dreamers to 'get in line' misses the mark on immigration,” April 26, 2018. Deseret News.
"We Don't Need Climate Planners to be Our Population Planners,” February 25, 2018. Foundation for Economic Education.
"11 billion reasons to raise park entry fees,” February 13, 2018. Newsday. With Camille Harmer.
"Dreamers are Worth the Wall,” February 6, 2018. RealClear Policy. With James Feigenbaum.
"Fossil Fuels Necessary for Now,” February 5, 2018. The Daily Caller. With William F. Shughart II.
"Let the market determine energy sources' futures,” January 29, 2018. Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
"Germany shows how shifting to renewable energy can backfire,” January 17, 2018. The Hill. With Randy T. Simmons.
2013 - 2017
"Dreamers Deserve a Legislative Fix,” December 19, 2017. RealClear Policy.
"Net metering deal comes at the expense of ratepayers,” November 6, 2017. Deseret News.
"Don’t Shed Any Tears Over the Repeal of Cook County’s Soda Tax,” October 13, 2017. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Politics Sully Cost-Benefit Analysis of Regulations,” October 10, 2017. Inside Sources. With Camille Harmer. Republished by Sun Sentinel.
"Dreamers need a legal path to citizenship,” September 27, 2017. Deseret News.
"Everyone is Missing Something in the Grid Study,” September 14, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Public Funding for Private Stadiums is Bad Policy,” September 6, 2017. RealClear Sports.
"Fossil Fuel Subsidies Deter Innovation,” August 29, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Get Politics Out of Okaying Pipelines,” August 28, 2017. RealClear Energy.
"Want to Save Species? Fix the Endangered Species Act,” August 10, 2017. RealClear Policy.
"Philly moves the goalposts on soda tax." August 10, 2017. Philadelphia Inquirer. With William F. Shughart II.
"Congressional Housing Subsidies Won’t Lower DC Housing Prices, But Liberalizing Zoning Will,” August 2, 2017. Market Urbanism.
"What the Bastrom oil spill says about effective regulation,” July 24, 2017. Austin American-Statesman.
"The ban on flavored tobacco: San Francisco’s nannies are at it again,” July 6, 2017. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Gov. Brian Sandoval did the right thing by vetoing stricter green portfolio standards for utilities,” July 1, 2017. Las Vegas Review-Journal.
"Prosperity, Not Soda Taxes, Foster Good Health,” June 7, 2017. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Politicians Don't Understand Energy Economics,” June 5, 2017. The Foundation for Economic Education.
"Santa Fe's rejection of soda tax a win for public health,” May 17, 2017. The Hill. With William F. Shughart II.
"Here Is The Simplest Way to Deter Illegal Immigrants,” May 9, 2017. Newsweek. With Ryan Yonk. Republished by Yahoo News, the Foundation for Economic Education, and the Park Record.
"On the Environment, the Greatest Story Seldom Told,” April 26, 2017. Inside Sources. With Megan Hansen.
"Boosting energy sector is about more than just cutting regulations,” April 6, 2017. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Taxing sugary soft drinks is paternalistic nonsense,” 2016, December 16. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Oakland's voters should stop soda tax,” October 25, 2016. East Bay Times. With William F. Shughart II.
"UK Deals Favors at Expense of Energy Consumers,” October 10, 2016. Inside Sources. With Ryan Yonk.
"Stop Subsidizing Coal Plants,” July 11, 2016. Medium. With Ryan Yonk.
”Subsidies cover up the cost of energy, whether green or fossil fuel,” June 23, 2016. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Philadelphia's Proposed Soda Tax is Government Manipulation,” May 12, 2016. The Daily Caller. With William F. Shughart II.
"Old Enough to Choose a President, but Not to Buy Cigarettes?" May 12, 2016. The Beacon. With William F. Shughart II.
"Solar Power Investments Don't Pay Off,” May 3, 2016. Newsday. With Randy T. Simmons. Republished by The Detroit News.
"Public Lands and Political Order,” March 9 2016. Inside Sources. With Ryan Yonk. Republished by Austin American-Statesman, South Coast Today, the Post Register, and the Muscatine Journal.
"Soda Taxes morally, ethically bankrupt,” March 3, 2016. Orange County Register. With William F. Shughart II.
"Government forces taxpayers to subsidize alternative energy,” January 5, 2016. The Salt Lake Tribune.
"How to Close the Revolving Door,” October 27, 2015. The Hill. With Ryan Yonk.
"Immigration Reform Doesn’t Go Far Enough,” November 8 2013. Deseret News.
