Practical Solutions for California’s Climate Goals

California has bold climate goals: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 48% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. As the largest economy in the United States, with emissions from transportation, energy, and industry, the state needs innovative solutions that protect both the environment and the economy—and a partner to help them identify the most effective ones.

With our longstanding expertise in emissions trading, carbon pricing, and environmental economics, Resources for the Future (RFF) brought forward our tools to help.

Our experts analyzed the California Air Resources Board’s proposed updates to the state’s cap-and-trade program. Drawing on lessons from similar programs and RFF’s own internal modeling, we evaluated a range of emissions budget pathways and strategies.

Our findings, presented to the state last July, will help ensure that California’s future clean air policies sustain a steady reduction in emissions while supporting the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund—key for financing initiatives like electric vehicle rebates, sustainable agriculture, and investments in disadvantaged communities.

Our work also aims to help the state make the program reliable, attract private investment in clean energy, and ensure that climate projects are funded now while staying focused on long-term goals.

At RFF, we’re proud to tackle challenges like these. And thanks to supporters like you, we can keep providing trusted guidance to help states like California achieve their climate goals.

Will you join us with a gift before the end of the year? Your investment in our work will ensure that we can continue to be the go-to resource to help solve critical policy questions like these.