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The document examines how a national carbon price would induce emissions reductions across the U.S. economy, with the most immediate and significant impacts occurring in the electricity sector. It argues that while U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts are conservative, empirical evidence from places like British Columbia suggests that carbon pricing can drive substantial behavioral changes and technological innovation. The authors advocate for a combination of carbon pricing and complementary policies, such as R&D funding and energy-efficiency standards, to overcome market barriers and achieve a target of reducing emissions by more than 80 percent by 2050.

The report outlines the essential structural elements of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, detailing how the choice of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) systems, operational responsibilities, cost coverage, financial models, fee structures, and funding mechanisms influence environmental and economic outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of harmonization across jurisdictions and the use of eco-modulated fees to incentivize sustainable packaging design.

The document examines the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) as a model for pre-competitive collaboration in the salmon aquaculture industry. It details how 14 member companies, representing 50% of global production, have used the platform to share data and innovate on environmental challenges. Key achievements include the rapid uptake of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, the reduction of medicinal sea lice treatments, and improvements in feed efficiency. The GSI demonstrates that by collaborating on non-competitive sustainability goals, companies can reduce costs, improve industry-wide reputation, and secure the long-term viability of shared resources.