Cap and Trade
Market-based cap-and-trade programs to regulate pollution from development and production exist across sectors and around the world. RFF experts played critical roles in the design of such programs in California and the Northeast, as well as internationally, and continue to analyze and advise on policies in the United States and elsewhere.
Carbon Pricing Calculator
RFF experts are informing the design and examining the impacts of carbon pricing to help leaders better understand the fiscal and environmental costs and benefits.
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Carbon Pricing in Oregon
Read the two memos sent to the Oregon Climate Policy Office on options to reduce emissions.
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Featured Content
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Explainer — Jun 21, 2021
Video Explainer: Carbon Pricing 101
A video overview of carbon pricing explains the basics of how this policy tool works, the different types, and the implications it has for people, the economy, and the environment.
Explainer — Mar 9, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 102: Economy-Wide Policy
An overview of economy-wide federal climate policy options, from carbon taxes and cap and trade to a portfolio of regulations that systematically tackles each sector of the economy.
Resources Radio — Feb 9, 2021
Hug a Bus: How Cities Are Tackling Climate Change, with David Miller
David Miller describes how mayors can adeptly address climate change and explores sustainable innovations that are already being deployed in cities.
Explainer — Jun 21, 2021
Video Explainer: Carbon Pricing 101
A video overview of carbon pricing explains the basics of how this policy tool works, the different types, and the implications it has for people, the economy, and the environment.
Explainer — Mar 9, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 102: Economy-Wide Policy
An overview of economy-wide federal climate policy options, from carbon taxes and cap and trade to a portfolio of regulations that systematically tackles each sector of the economy.
Data Tool — Oct 1, 2020
Carbon Pricing Bill Tracker
Compare bills introduced in the 116th Congress that would implement a price on carbon dioxide emissions
Workshop/Seminar — Mar 13, 2020
Adding Mitigation Certainty to a US Carbon Tax: A Workshop on the REEP Symposium (Postponed)
A discussion on how to address emissions uncertainty in US carbon tax design
RFF Live — Mar 28, 2019
Putting a Price on Carbon, with Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer
Unpacking elements of the proposed cap and dividend legislation and the landscape for a carbon pricing policy
Workshop/Seminar — Jan 23, 2018
California’s Climate Action: Leadership from the States
This event provided insights into California’s commitment to tackling climate change and protecting its natural environment.
Press Release — Jul 14, 2020
A Flexible Cap-and-Trade Program Could Play an Important Role in Colorado’s Long-Term Climate Goals
As Colorado drifts from its climate goals for 2025 and 2030, a new report illustrates the cost-effective potential of cap-and-trade policies to reduce the state’s carbon emissions.
Media Highlight — Sep 4, 2019
"Climate Town Hall: Several Democratic Candidates Embrace a Carbon Tax"
RFF President Richard G. Newell is quoted in a New York Times article on how different 2020 presidential candidates view a price on carbon.
Press Release — Aug 14, 2019
New Research from Hafstead and Williams on Jobs and Environmental Regulations
Marc Hafstead and Roberton Williams reveal six key takeaways from recent research on jobs and environmental regulations..
Resources Radio — Feb 9, 2021
Hug a Bus: How Cities Are Tackling Climate Change, with David Miller
David Miller describes how mayors can adeptly address climate change and explores sustainable innovations that are already being deployed in cities.
Resources Magazine — Jun 15, 2020
Looking Back at 50 Years of the Clean Air Act of 1970
A major retrospective analysis of the Clean Air Act reveals its many public health benefits, along with its associated costs.
Resources Magazine — Jun 15, 2020
Market-Based Approaches to Environmental Policy: A “Refresher” Course
This archived article drawn from a 2003 issue of Resources expounds on the effectiveness of market-based solutions to pollution problems.