Future of Power
Substantial reduction of US greenhouse gas emissions will require widespread decarbonization of the power sector and the economy. Experts at RFF are undertaking research and policy engagement activities that holistically evaluate market designs and local, state, and federal policies to facilitate a smooth transition to a decarbonized power sector.

RFF's Future of Power Initiative
Experts at RFF are working to holistically evaluate market designs and state and federal policies to facilitate a smooth transition to a decarbonized power sector.
Read About the Initiative
Reducing Risk in Wind and Solar
Read about how financial hedges can reduce investment risk.
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Clean Energy Standards
Read our issue brief on options available to federal and state policymakers.
Read moreTopics
Carbon Capture and Storage
Modeling how carbon capture and storage technologies will affect emissions and the economy
Clean Power Plan
Analyzing policy solutions for states to achieve compliance
Coal
Analyzing the role of coal in the global and domestic energy sectors
Electricity Markets and Regulation
Exploring how these markets respond to uncertainties
Electrification
Exploring emissions reductions through electrification of the US economy
Energy Efficiency
Examining policies to help close the existing energy efficiency gap
Nuclear Energy
Examining the implications of advancing nuclear power technologies for the economy and environment
Renewable Energy
Evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy policies
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- News
- Resources Magazine

RFF Live — Apr 28, 2021
An Equitable Energy Transition for Workers and Communities
A conversation that will explore a recently published report and what future policy is needed to support fossil fuel workers and communities in the shift to a low-carbon economy

Workshop/Seminar — Apr 15, 2021
US Climate Ambition in 2030: Insights from Recent Modeling
A virtual meeting on what’s needed to put the United States on a path to net-zero emissions by midcentury

Explainer — Apr 6, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 106: The Buildings Sector
An overview of the tools available for policymakers to reduce emissions from buildings, which contribute about 12.5 percent of total US greenhouse gas emissions.

Working Paper — Jul 5, 2018
Retirements and Funerals: The Emission, Mortality, and Coal-Mine Employment Effects of a Two-Year Delay in Coal and Nuclear Power Plant Retirements
A leaked US government memo proposes preventing the scheduled retirement of coal and nuclear power plants for two years. Using a detailed simulation model, we estimate the effects of such a policy on emissions, mortality, and coal-mine jobs.

Working Paper — Nov 29, 2018
The Welfare Costs of Misaligned Incentives: Energy Inefficiency and the Principal-Agent Problem
I measure the welfare costs of the principal-agent problem in the context of an energy efficiency appliance upgrade program. I find that the principal-agent problem turns an otherwise welfare-increasing program into a welfare-reducing program.

Issue Brief — Jan 24, 2019
Clean Energy Standards
Exploring the options available for policymakers to implement a CES at the state or federal level.

RFF Live — Apr 28, 2021
An Equitable Energy Transition for Workers and Communities
A conversation that will explore a recently published report and what future policy is needed to support fossil fuel workers and communities in the shift to a low-carbon economy

Workshop/Seminar — Apr 15, 2021
US Climate Ambition in 2030: Insights from Recent Modeling
A virtual meeting on what’s needed to put the United States on a path to net-zero emissions by midcentury

Policy Leadership Series — Mar 11, 2021
Policy Leadership Series with bp CEO Bernard Looney
A discussion with the head of one of the world's largest oil and gas companies about bp's net-zero ambitions and more

Media Highlight — Mar 25, 2021
Give Former Fossil Fuel Workers a Stake in the Clean Energy Future
An op-ed coauthored by Fellow Daniel Raimi in the Boston Globe discusses new research on potential policy options to help fossil fuel communities in the energy transition.

Media Highlight — Mar 25, 2021
Feds Urged to Help People Hurt by Fading Fossil Industries
E&E News covers a new report by RFF and Environmental Defense Fund on policy options to aid fossil fuel communities in the energy transition.

Press Release — Mar 25, 2021
Report Highlights Federal Policy Solutions for an Equitable Energy Transition for Fossil Fuel Workers
Research from Resources for the Future and Environmental Defense Fund distills insights from over 100 policies that can support fossil fuel workers and communities in the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Resources Radio — Apr 6, 2021
Giving a Fair Shot to Energy Workers and Communities in Transition, with Wesley Look and Daniel Raimi
Wesley Look and Daniel Raimi review a series of reports about policies and programs that can ensure an equitable transition to a clean energy economy.

Common Resources — Apr 6, 2021
Putting the American Jobs Plan to Work: Examining the Implications and Challenges
RFF experts assess the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan, which includes policy approaches to boost clean energy, protect the environment, and speed decarbonization efforts.

On the Issues — Apr 2, 2021
Financial Headwinds for Texas Wind Farms, Emissions Trading around the Globe, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.