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Pennsylvania can meet or exceed its Clean Power Plan targets by 2030 by expanding its energy efficiency and renewable energy standards, optimizing the operation of existing natural gas and coal plants, and adopting a carbon pricing program. Specifically, increasing the energy efficiency target to 13.2 percent cumulative annual savings and the Tier I alternative energy standard to 18 percent by 2030 could reduce CO2 emissions by 46 percent below 2012 levels. The document highlights that utilizing existing natural gas combined cycle plants at 75 percent capacity, compared to 65 percent in 2013, would further cut emissions.

The research identifies a systemic 'siloed approach' where Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are managed by separate institutions, typically environment ministries for NDCs and central cabinet-level offices for SDGs. To overcome this, the paper proposes five core elements for joined-up implementation: coordinating institutions, aligning targets, joint mainstreaming into policy planning, optimizing financial resources, and creating mutually reinforcing monitoring frameworks. The study argues that integrating these agendas reduces transaction costs, fosters 'win-win solutions', and helps ensure a just transition by applying the 'leaving no one behind' principle to climate action. It highlights that while some countries have begun linking these frameworks, a fully integrated approach requires significant shifts in institutional and financial structures to avoid the 'cherry-picking' of targets by line ministries.

The report uses the IMPLAN input-output framework to estimate the employment impacts of four federal climate policy scenarios in the United States by 2035. It finds that decarbonization scenarios—ranging from extended tax credits to a full net-zero path—would create more net jobs than a reference scenario, with the net-zero scenario potentially adding 2.3 million net jobs. The analysis highlights that job growth would be concentrated in building and electricity construction, while noting that some regions and subsectors would face job losses, necessitating targeted investments and domestic content regulations to ensure an equitable transition. Additionally, the report argues that implementing family-sustaining wage requirements for underpaid energy workers would generate significant economy-wide benefits.

The text asserts that a carbon price alone is insufficient for full decarbonization by 2050. It emphasizes the need for complementary policies to address market barriers, externalities, and long-lead-time mitigation options, specifically to transform the U.S. energy system through increased efficiency, electricity decarbonization, and electrification of buildings, transport, and industry.

Virginia can achieve nearly one-third of its required emission reductions between 2012 and 2030 through planned coal retirements and clean energy investments. To close the remaining gap and surpass targets, the state can pursue a 10 percent reduction in electricity consumption by 2022, a 15 percent renewable energy goal by 2025, and increased utilization of its existing natural gas fleet to 75 percent capacity. The document suggests that adopting a market-based carbon pricing program with a $10 per short ton price for interstate allowances could generate over $100 million in annual revenue between 2022 and 2030. Additionally, robust energy efficiency policies could increase Virginia's GDP by $286 million and add 38,000 jobs by 2030.

Wisconsin can achieve 63 percent of its Clean Power Plan (CPP) emission reductions by continuing the Focus on Energy program, maintaining its renewable portfolio standard, and improving the efficiency of natural gas and coal plants. To close the remaining gap and exceed targets, the state could increase efficiency targets to 2.5 percent by 2025 and renewable generation to 30 percent by 2030. The document argues that adopting a market-based carbon pricing program could generate over $100 million annually from out-of-state sources between 2022 and 2030 if allowances trade at $10 per short ton. Additionally, investments in energy efficiency via Focus on Energy provided a 3:1 benefit ratio from 2011-14, saving homes and businesses $1.7 billion.

The paper argues that the wind power industry is integrated primarily through foreign direct investment rather than trade, and that promoting global integration can reduce technology costs and foster innovation without sacrificing local job creation.

The document argues that reducing upstream methane leakage is critical for the U.S. to meet greenhouse gas emissions goals. It warns that LNG exports are likely to increase domestic emissions and proposes several policy interventions, including expanded Department of Energy research, updated emissions factors, and the implementation of a clean energy standard or carbon pricing.

The document argues that a well-integrated carbon market in India can lower emissions reduction costs for industry and facilitate low-carbon transformation. It emphasizes that successful implementation requires tailored capacity building, iterative design through simulations and pilots, industry engagement, and complementary policies to mitigate competitiveness and distributional risks. The report suggests that a single framework could potentially subsume existing market-based mechanisms to improve administration and compliance.

The document outlines four primary actions for Illinois to meet Clean Power Plan targets: removing spending caps on energy efficiency, ensuring renewable energy standard payments increase investment, increasing combined cycle natural gas plant usage to 75 percent, and adopting operational improvements at coal plants. By increasing the renewable energy standard to 35 percent by 2030 and targeting 20 percent cumulative energy savings by 2025, the state could reduce CO2 emissions by 76 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. The report also suggests a market-based carbon pricing program, which could generate over $300 million annually from out-of-state sources between 2022 and 2030 if allowances trade at $10 per short ton.

The paper outlines a collaborative framework for U.S. climate action, arguing that while ambitious federal leadership is necessary to set national targets and international standards, state and local governments should act as 'laboratories of democracy' to pioneer solutions. It advocates for a system where federal standards provide a floor but do not preempt more ambitious subnational actions, emphasizing that land-use, zoning, and infrastructure resilience are best handled at the subnational level, while carbon pricing and clean energy standards should be collaborative efforts.

The document examines the U.S. commercial solar PV market, noting that while commercial real estate accounts for 36 percent of national electricity consumption, installations are heavily concentrated in only five states. It identifies economic and regulatory hurdles preventing wider adoption, noting that PV has not yet reached cost parity with traditional power generation without a carbon price. The paper proposes solutions such as regulatory reform and new financing mechanisms, offering 18 strategic recommendations to expand the market.

The paper assesses technological carbon removal options in the United States, specifically bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air capture with storage (DACS), and frontier technologies. It argues that while these technologies are critical for stabilizing global temperatures and meeting Paris Agreement targets, their deployment requires significant policy investment in research, development, and infrastructure. The author emphasizes that carbon pricing or regulatory mandates will be essential for sustained large-scale deployment, as CO2 utilization markets alone are insufficient.

The testimony argues that the America’s Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191) is a strong legislative proposal to address global warming through a cap-and-trade system. Dr. Pershing asserts that the US, having contributed 28 percent of atmospheric emissions, must lead the transition to a low-carbon economy to enable a successful international agreement. WRI analysis suggests the bill would cover 82 percent of US emissions, reducing covered emissions by 17 percent by 2020 and 71 percent by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. The testimony emphasizes that the economic impact of the bill's carbon price would be minimal, with some state-level models showing GDP increases when combined with complementary policies. The bill includes cost-containment strategies such as free allowance allocations, auctions, and offsets to ease the economic transition for industries and consumers.

The report examines the 'water-energy nexus,' noting that water scarcity threatens energy production while increasing water demand necessitates energy-intensive solutions like desalination. It advocates for business strategies focused on demand reduction, water reuse, energy recovery, and the adoption of clean energy resources and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

The document outlines a strategic roadmap developed by CSIS and WRI to transition the United States to a secure, low-carbon energy economy. It argues that energy security and climate goals must be integrated into all policymaking to avoid the instability caused by either continued fossil fuel dependence or the premature adoption of unreliable low-carbon alternatives. The proposed framework emphasizes establishing a long-term vision, resetting the energy system through carbon pricing and financial commitments, and managing the transition by balancing short-term demand with long-term decarbonization.

The document examines the intersection of climate policy and international trade, noting that non-uniform costs for greenhouse gas emissions can lead to 'emissions leakage' where industries relocate to countries with lower standards. It identifies energy-intensive sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals as most vulnerable and evaluates three policy responses: cost containment mechanisms, trade measures such as border price adjustments, and coordinated international actions.

The document defines fundamental climate policy terminology, distinguishing between market-based mechanisms like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs, and explaining concepts such as offsets, adaptation, and complementary policies.

The document defines a carbon tax as a fee on fossil fuels and primary products based on greenhouse gas emissions, providing a financial incentive for reduction. It distinguishes carbon taxes from cap-and-trade programs by noting that taxes set a price without an emissions limit, whereas cap-and-trade sets a limit with a market-determined price. The text details how these taxes are typically applied upstream and passed to downstream consumers, noting that the economic impact on businesses and lower-income individuals depends on whether revenues are 'recycled' through rebates or tax cuts to maintain revenue neutrality. It mentions international implementations in Europe, Japan, and British Columbia, and notes the political difficulty of establishing a national carbon tax in the United States.

The paper examines the global integration of the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, focusing on the tension between the need for open global markets to lower costs and the desire for national policies to protect domestic green jobs. It argues that long-term government support, a price on carbon, and the removal of trade barriers are essential for accelerating deployment and innovation.