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Landmark federal climate and clean energy legislation shows pragmatic climate policy is possible in a wide range of political landscapes

November 3, 2022 Work Area: Advanced Nuclear, Carbon Capture, Methane, Zero-Carbon Fuels

WASHINGTON – A new analysis from Clean Air Task Force assesses the four landmark pieces of U.S. climate and clean energy legislation passed over the last two years, a period that straddles multiple presidential administrations. The report showcases how laws that advance a diverse suite of climate and clean energy solutions can achieve consensus across diverse constituencies to drive U.S. clean energy innovation forward – despite shifts in political configuration in the White House or in Congress.  

“Reaching consensus to pass historic legislation is not easy, but the last two years have shown that there is broad support for boosting the clean energy economy and addressing climate change,” says Emily Tucker, Federal Policy Manager at Clean Air Task Force. “From driving technology research and development to incentivizing deployment and commercialization, the laws passed in this historic time period are catalyzing the development of a diverse set of climate solutions while also proving that climate action is good politics.” 

“The passage of four critical pieces of legislation since late 2020, under both divided government and a government trifecta, underscore the importance of bipartisan policymaking,” says Lindsey Baxter Griffith, Federal Policy Director at Clean Air Task Force. “We need resilient climate policies that can withstand changes in Washington, unpredictable geopolitical events, and societal changes to ensure we can achieve our global climate goals. These policies are good for public health, the environment, and the economy. Now it’s time to swiftly, efficiently, and equitably implement this set of laws to realize their full potential while working toward a decarbonized society.” 

The Energy Act of 2020, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, include critical provisions to support a suite of climate solutions, from advanced nuclear to carbon capture and storage, zero-carbon fuels, methane abatement, clean energy manufacturing, technology research, development, commercialization, and deployment, and more. 

Read the full report here.


Press Contact

Samantha Sadowski, Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717

About Clean Air Task Force 

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.

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