Federal Climate Policy
Using the best-available data and analyses to inform actions by the US federal government to address and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Highlights
Topics
Carbon Pricing
Examining the design and implications of carbon pricing policies for the economy and the environment
Clean Energy Standards
Working with policymakers to provide economic analysis on potential legislation
Comprehensive Climate Strategies
Generating ideas to drive emissions reductions efficiently and equitably
Green Procurement
RFF research and policy analysis can inform the procurement of cleaner materials to build roads, bridges, buildings, and military equipment, such as “green” cement and steel.
Inflation Reduction Act
Policy Design and Evaluation
Evaluating policy instruments and identifying novel policy design approaches
RGGI
Analyzing programs in place through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Social Cost of Carbon
Improving the science behind estimating the social cost of carbon
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Report — Nov 16, 2023
Tracking and Evaluation of Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs at the US Department of Energy
This report builds on a May 2023 RFF workshop that sourced experiences with and proposed best practices for developing the US Department of Energy's research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) capacity.
Resources Radio — Nov 14, 2023
Not a Shore Thing: Challenges in US Offshore Wind Development, with Ben Storrow
Ben Storrow discusses the challenges for offshore wind project development in recent years, how policymakers can address these challenges, and the future of the offshore wind industry.
Media Highlight — Nov 10, 2023
E&E News: “White House Overhaul Paves Way for Stricter Regulations”
RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell comments on the White House's revised method for agencies to weigh regulatory costs and benefits.
Media Highlight — Nov 10, 2023
E&E News: “Will Biden’s Rulemaking Revisions Last?”
RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell shares his thoughts on the US Office of Management and Budget's much-anticipated update to its cost-benefit analysis calculations.
Report — Nov 16, 2023
Tracking and Evaluation of Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs at the US Department of Energy
This report builds on a May 2023 RFF workshop that sourced experiences with and proposed best practices for developing the US Department of Energy's research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) capacity.
Issue Brief — Nov 9, 2023
Reducing Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions through “Climate-Smart” Markets, Technical Innovation, and Emissions Credit Trading
This issue brief, the last in a series on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions policy, examines "climate-smart" markets, public support for research and development, and emissions credit trading.
Working Paper — Nov 9, 2023
Leveraging the IRA to Achieve 80x30 in the US Electricity Sector
This working paper explores how a federal emissions cap could build on the emissions reductions promised by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Issue Brief — Nov 6, 2023
Foreign Pollution Fee Act: Design Elements, Options, and Policy Decisions
This issue brief breaks down the policy elements of the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, a border adjustment mechanism proposed in the US Senate in November 2023.
RFF Live — Jul 31, 2023
The 45V Hydrogen Tax Credit: Considerations for US Treasury Guidance
The 45V Hydrogen Tax Credit: Considerations for US Treasury Guidance
Policy Leadership Series — Jun 20, 2023
Financing the Energy Transition: A Policy Leadership Series Event with Jigar Shah
A conversation with the Loan Programs Office Director at the US Department of Energy Jigar Shah on funding the clean energy transition, technological innovation, infrastructure, and more
RFF Live — May 19, 2023
Unplugging Emissions: Exploring New EPA Rules on Climate and Health
An RFF Live event examining three recent proposed and final rules on power-sector emissions from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
RFF Live — Apr 11, 2023
Modernizing Regulatory Review: Exploring OMB’s Updated Benefit-Cost Guidance
Modernizing Regulatory Review: Exploring OMB’s Updated Benefit-Cost Guidance
Resources Radio — Nov 14, 2023
Not a Shore Thing: Challenges in US Offshore Wind Development, with Ben Storrow
Ben Storrow discusses the challenges for offshore wind project development in recent years, how policymakers can address these challenges, and the future of the offshore wind industry.
On the Issues — Nov 10, 2023
On the Issues: Renewable Energy Headwinds, Electric Grid Upgrades, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: Renewable Energy Headwinds, Electric Grid Upgrades, and More.
Common Resources — Nov 9, 2023
Adding an Emissions Cap to the Inflation Reduction Act Would Help Meet US Climate Goals
Implementing a federal cap-and-trade policy would complement the Inflation Reduction Act. Together, these two policies could reduce air pollution and retail electricity prices and ensure that the United States meets its national climate goals for 2030.
Common Resources — Oct 19, 2023
A First Look at the Hydrogen Hubs Decisions
From many applicants, the Biden administration has chosen seven winners to become hydrogen hubs across the United States. Here’s a comprehensive, concise, and useful summary of the winning hubs—and recommendations for next steps in the process.
Media Highlight — Nov 10, 2023
E&E News: “White House Overhaul Paves Way for Stricter Regulations”
RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell comments on the White House's revised method for agencies to weigh regulatory costs and benefits.
Media Highlight — Nov 10, 2023
E&E News: “Will Biden’s Rulemaking Revisions Last?”
RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell shares his thoughts on the US Office of Management and Budget's much-anticipated update to its cost-benefit analysis calculations.
Media Highlight — Nov 9, 2023
The Hill: “White House Finalizes Guidance Expected to Result in Stricter Regulations”
RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell provides insight into new guidance about how the US government makes regulatory decisions.
Press Release — Nov 9, 2023
Adding an Emissions Cap to the Inflation Reduction Act Could Create More Cost-Effective, Certain Emissions Reductions
New RFF modeling shows that a federal cap on power-sector emissions could carry the United States to its power-sector emissions goal, and that such a cap would be less expensive for emitters and households than it would have been otherwise.
