Accelerating Innovation, Removing Red Tape

Changing the way the federal government approves new energy projects might not sound exciting, but it’s crucial for making clean energy a reality. By streamlining approval processes and removing red tape, we can accelerate innovation, create more jobs, and stay on course to reach our climate goals.

As we approach Election Day and the nation turns its focus to partisan debates, here at Resources for the Future (RFF) we’re helping decisionmakers make informed choices, rooted in research and science. Here’s how our work is driving progress:

• Clean Electricity: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes wind and solar energy production, but better power transmission networks are still needed. In June, we released a report comparing how future electricity markets could look to ensure a successful energy transition.
• New Hydrogen and Carbon Removal: New clean technologies incentivized by the IRA, like hydrogen production and direct air capture of carbon emissions, are critical but face environmental and community concerns. We provided both short-term solutions and proposed long-term policy frameworks.
• Critical Minerals: These raw materials are the key ingredient in vehicle batteries. As the number of electric cars, buses, and trucks on our roads grows, so does the need for responsible policies that balance the impact of increased demand with environmental protection surrounding mineral extraction and processing. Last month, we launched a Critical Minerals Research Lab to guide smart policy in this emerging field.

Some of these issues may not capture the spotlight, but understanding the tradeoffs is crucial to cutting emissions and achieving our climate goals. Our independent, rigorous research is central to advancing our economy while protecting our environment, this year and beyond.

RFF’s Founders’ Day is just around the corner. In celebration of our 72 years of research to reduce emissions, build resilience, and solve the climate challenge, will you join us with your support?

Your gift—no matter the size—will ensure that RFF continues to deliver the critical economic research needed to address urgent environmental policy challenges.

Our work is vital, timely, and—most importantly—wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support we receive from friends like you.