Economic Frameworks

The transition to a clean energy economy is reshaping our world. Kleinman Center researchers develop economic frameworks and decision-making tools that help policymakers understand the costs and opportunities of decarbonization. From climate risks to clean energy investments, our work supports policies that advance growth, resilience, and an equitable energy transition.

Faculty Leadership

Heather Boushey

Professor of Practice

Heather Boushey is a professor of practice at the Kleinman Center. Boushey served in the Biden administration as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers and chief economist to the President’s Investing in America cabinet.

Publications and Events

Four Impediments to Advancing Critical Minerals Trade Negotiations

The Trump administration’s proposed Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals (ATCM) is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience and counter China’s market dominance. But months after its launch, progress and international support remains limited. This piece explores four unresolved issues that could determine whether the initiative succeeds or stalls.

Building a Clean, Equitable Economy: Where Do We Go from Here?

During Earth Week, Heather Boushey joined Sanya Carley for a discussion on rethinking the economics of climate change. Boushey explored how decarbonization can drive shared economic growth, strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and build a more equitable and resilient energy future.

Launching the EconClimate Lab

In its first year, the EconClimate Lab has become strong platform for sustained engagement with policymakers at the federal, state, local, and international levels. Lab Director Heather Boushey has provided private briefings to members of Congress and helped shape national policy discussions on economic and energy issues through high-profile engagements.

Boushey has developed relationships with state and local leaders, including offices in Congress, Philadelphia city government, and New Jersey state government. The lab’s has also expanded its reach through media engagement and a newsletter read by tens of thousands of policymakers and stakeholders.

Seminar Series

The lab’s inaugural seminar series has convened policymakers from across the federal government, leading think tanks, and academic institutions, while also engaging former senior government officials.

States at the Helm: Utility Finance, Securitization, & Consumer Protection

State regulators and governors play a central role in shaping how the clean-energy buildout is financed. The discussion explored utility finance, rate design, and governance strategies that balance investment needs with consumer protections, highlighting practical approaches to ensuring an equitable and affordable energy future.

It’s Getting Hot Out Here: Protecting Workers & Productivity

Hotter summers are changing how Americans work. Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are already reducing output and increasing health risks. Explore a conversation on extreme heat, worker safety, productivity, and the future of heat standards.

Supply and Demand: The Economic Opportunities and Challenges of Data Center

As data centers consume a growing share of U.S. electricity, what does it mean for households, manufacturers, and local economies?

Course Highlight

The Microeconomics of Clean Energy Technologies

Professor of Practice Heather Boushey taught a new course exploring the microeconomics of clean energy technologies. Students examined why some clean energy innovations achieve widespread adoption while others struggle to scale, gaining insight into the roles of markets, incentives, and innovation in the energy transition.

The consequences of climate change are playing out unequally across communities, with lower-income communities suffering more damage and taking longer to recover. At the same time, our ability to thrive on a clean-energy economy will be one of the determining features of the strength of America’s middle class for generations to come.

Heather BousHEY in the Wall Street Journal