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The World Resources Institute proposes six domestic actions for the Obama administration in 2016: implementing the Clean Power Plan, reducing methane emissions from existing gas infrastructure, banning more potent hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), preparing industrial emission standards, finalizing fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks and aircraft, and increasing local climate resilience support. It also urges the U.S. to sign the Paris Agreement, meet Green Climate Fund commitments, and mobilize resources for Mission Innovation to sustain global momentum.

Missouri is required to reduce power sector emissions by 29 percent below 2012 levels by 2030 under the Clean Power Plan. WRI analysis indicates the state can achieve 90 percent of this target by implementing existing clean energy policies and improving the efficiency of existing natural gas and coal plants. By further expanding its renewable energy standard to 20 percent of electricity sales by 2030, Missouri could reduce emissions by 34 percent below 2012 levels, exceeding the target by 17 percent. These actions could provide economic benefits, including over $6 billion in energy bill savings and $20 million annually from selling surplus carbon credits between 2022 and 2030.

Michigan is required by the U.S. EPA to reduce power sector emissions by 33 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. The document argues that by adhering to its energy efficiency and renewable energy standards, and by optimizing the use of natural gas and coal plants, the state can reduce emissions by 36 percent below 2012 levels by 2030, exceeding its target by 9 percent.

The document outlines strategies for US states to ensure that the Clean Power Plan does not disproportionately burden low-income communities and communities of color. It emphasizes the need for 'high impact' engagement, the conduct of formal Environmental Justice (EJ) analyses, and the avoidance of carbon trading mechanisms that may allow power plants to avoid on-site pollution reductions. The guide also advocates for a 'Just Transition' that provides economic development and job training in communities heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

The document details the use of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) to model energy pathways for Virginia. It outlines specific adjustments made to capital costs, performance projections, and policy assumptions for various electricity generating technologies compared to EIA benchmarks. The analysis compares a 'Reference Case' of existing policies against a 'Clean Path Case' involving Clean Power Plan compliance, mandatory energy efficiency standards, and a Renewable Portfolio Standard for Virginia.

The document analyzes the climate impact of phasing out federal fossil fuel leases in the U.S. It finds that while current policies project an 11% increase in production by 2040, a 2°C pathway requires a 40–60% reduction. Ceasing new federal leases could reduce global CO2 emissions by approximately 100 million tonnes per year by 2030, primarily through reduced coal and offshore oil production.

Earthjustice condemns the U.S. Senate's vote on S.J. Res. 24, which sought to repeal the Clean Power Plan, describing the plan as the most significant U.S. action on climate change to date. The organization notes that the President intended to veto the resolution and highlights the contrast between the Senate's action and the efforts of world leaders to address climate change in Paris.

Pennsylvania is required to reduce power sector emissions by 24-25 percent below 2012 levels by 2030 under the Clean Power Plan. Analysis indicates that current clean energy policies and improved power plant efficiency could achieve a 13 percent reduction by 2030. To fully meet or exceed targets, the state can expand its energy efficiency programs (Act 129) and alternative energy portfolio standard (AEPS) after 2021, potentially cutting emissions by 46 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. Such measures are described as cost-effective, with potential for the state to earn over $160 million annually by selling unused emissions allowances between 2022 and 2030.

A Union of Concerned Scientists analysis finds that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) generate approximately 50 percent fewer lifetime global warming emissions than comparable gasoline cars in the U.S., despite higher initial manufacturing emissions. The report highlights that the emissions benefits of EVs increase as the electricity grid shifts toward renewable energy, noting that the average EV currently produces emissions equivalent to a gasoline vehicle achieving 68 MPG.

The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that driving on electricity produces lower global warming emissions than the average new gasoline car in every U.S. region. While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) have higher manufacturing emissions due to lithium-ion battery production, this is offset by lower operational emissions, resulting in lifetime emissions approximately 50% lower than gasoline counterparts. The analysis highlights that the electricity source used for charging and manufacturing is the most critical factor in determining an EV's total emissions impact.

The report finds that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) produce significantly lower lifetime global warming emissions than comparable gasoline cars, despite higher emissions during the manufacturing process. On average, BEVs sold in the U.S. produce less than half the emissions of gasoline vehicles, with the extra manufacturing burden offset within 6 to 16 months of driving. The environmental benefit of EVs increases as the U.S. electricity grid shifts from coal to renewable energy sources.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a green bank for Michigan, estimating that an initial public investment of $105 million could leverage $3.3 billion in total clean energy investments by 2030. This financial mechanism would support the deployment of 685 MW of solar capacity and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 3.9 million tons, contributing 13% of the emissions reductions required for the state to meet Clean Power Plan targets. The document outlines various financial products the bank could offer, such as credit enhancements and warehousing, and identifies existing Michigan programs that could be integrated into this structure.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzes how a hypothetical Pennsylvania green bank, with an initial $135 million capitalization, could leverage $4.2 billion in total investment by 2030. This initiative would support 780 MW of wind and solar capacity, save $375 million annually on electricity bills, and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.8 million tons per year, contributing 11% of the state's required reductions under the Clean Power Plan.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzes how a hypothetical Virginia green bank with $90 million in initial capitalization could leverage $2.8 billion in total investment by 2030, significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the deployment of 575 MW of wind and solar capacity.

The document is a sign-on letter from a broad coalition of organizations and officials requesting that the Obama administration prioritize offshore wind power development, specifically along the Atlantic coast. The coalition advocates for a bold development goal of 22 GW by 2030, increased federal incentives, and improved collaboration between federal agencies and state governments to support the Clean Power Plan.

Virginia is required by the U.S. Clean Power Plan to reduce power sector emissions by 23 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. The document argues that by improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy use to meet voluntary goals, and maximizing the output of existing natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants, the state could reduce emissions by up to 43 percent by 2030. These actions are presented as cost-effective measures that could increase GDP, provide billions in net benefits, and generate revenue through the sale of unused emissions allowances.

Energy Innovation used the Energy Policy Simulator to determine that a specific combination of six policies could meet the Clean Power Plan's goal of reducing power sector CO2 emissions by 32 percent by 2030 while saving the U.S. economy nearly 40 billion dollars between 2016 and 2030. The recommended package focuses on improving coal plant efficiency, accelerating coal retirements, enhancing building and industrial energy efficiency, implementing a 25 percent national average renewable portfolio standard, and increasing transmission capacity. The report contrasts this approach with more expensive alternatives, such as those relying heavily on nuclear power or carbon capture and storage.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) analysis finds that two-thirds of U.S. states may be exposing electricity consumers to financial risks due to overreliance on natural gas. These risks include price volatility, potential carbon pricing costs, and the possibility of stranded assets such as underused plants and pipelines. The report rates states across five categories, identifying Florida as the only state with a "High" risk rating in all five. To mitigate these risks, the report advocates for prioritizing renewable energy and energy efficiency over natural gas as a primary solution for carbon reduction under the federal Clean Power Plan.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed 50 U.S. states to identify those at high risk of natural gas overreliance in the power sector. The analysis uses five metrics: the share of in-state electricity production from natural gas in 2014, the increase in that share from 2008 to 2014, the share of new capacity being built from natural gas (2014–2017), total projected natural gas capacity in 2017, and 2013 power sector carbon dioxide emissions. The report highlights that excessive reliance on natural gas exposes ratepayers to fuel price volatility and the risk of 'stranded assets' from infrastructure that may become underused or abandoned. It also notes that a shift from coal to gas is insufficient for long-term climate goals due to continued significant emissions upon combustion.

The World Resources Institute highlights the U.S.-China Joint Announcement on Climate Change, noting China's commitment to a 2017 emissions trading system and $3.1 billion in climate finance, alongside U.S. actions via the Clean Power Plan. The statement argues that this collaboration establishes a foundation for a strong global agreement in Paris by aligning on long-term low-carbon goals, ambition-building processes, and transparency.