U.S. Energy & Climate Roadmap

Building on the foundations laid in the Obama administration, President Biden and the new Congress have made addressing climate change—its causes and its unequal effects—a central priority. EPIC’s Roadmap offers both bodies a robust suite of policies to drive down the sources of climate change. By making the most of every public dollar invested in this historic effort, EPIC’s proposals can help ensure that the United States has the biggest impact, for the most people, over the fastest timeframe possible.

The Biden administration and Congressional leaders in both parties would be wise to follow this insightful roadmap for sound energy and climate policy delivered by EPIC at the University of Chicago. The ideas and policies outlined here are clearly explained and if adopted, would make the United States the world leader in the transition to a decarbonized economy. This is a worthwhile read for anyone who cares about securing a healthy and prosperous future for rising generations.

The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago is leading U.S. academic institutions in presenting evidence-based, fair, practical public polices. The Biden administration is fortunate to have this U.S. Energy & Climate Roadmap available. It will influence the public debate in the administration, the Congress, and the public on the best way forward for the nation.

In this must-read volume for analysts and decision-makers about climate policy, Michael Greenstone and his EPIC colleagues bridge significant scholarship and current policy debates. From the social cost of carbon to new thoughts on pricing carbon to improving fuel economy standards to dealing with stranded costs of legacy coal, the book offers evidence-based ideas at a moment in which policy is and should be attentive to them.

EPIC’s Roadmap is grounded in empirical research but mindful of political realities, a winning combination if we are to make significant and timely progress on limiting climate change. The administration and Congress should pay attention to its cost-effective, practical recommendations.

Climate change is the most formidable risk humanity faces, and there is no time to waste in tackling it. EPIC’s Roadmap provides a sharp, direct set of tools that can help shape regulatory and market conditions in the United States and around the world, allowing us to reduce carbon emissions and grow the economy at the same time. Policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens alike should read this book carefully as Washington focuses its attention on these urgent issues.

…EPIC’s Energy & Climate Roadmap offers thoughtful proposals that put us on a path to a safe and stable climate and a strong, just and equitable economy powered by investment and innovation. This is a valuable read for every policymaker and, indeed, for any citizen seeking to lobby their government on this critical issue.

“An important, timely book based on rigorous, fact-based research with concrete policy proposals to confront the costs and risks of climate change while ensuring affordable and reliable energy essential to a sustained and inclusive economic recovery. The proposals include a national carbon price reflecting the social cost of carbon along with standards and regulations in key energy using and consuming sectors. Most of the investment and innovation required to address the dual challenges of energy and climate will be made by businesses and consumers, but policies will shape their incentives and actions.”