A Six Point Plan for Eliminating U.S. Carbon Emissions and Minimizing Climate Costs

Following the house resolution on a Green New Deal, policy experts, politicians, and thinktanks around the country have been inspired to contribute their own vision for a national climate plan. The Kleinman Center wants to ensure that we too are offering our vision for a successful national response to the global climate crisis.

The following is what we see as the essential elements of an effective climate plan. These six policy efforts, if pursued diligently and implemented effectively, would significantly help to create an economic, social, and physical framework from which the United States can emerge as an innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking nation ready to lead the world in the global economy of tomorrow. This plan does not, as many others do, outline specific performance targets for the United States as far as carbon emissions or energy portfolio standards are concerned. Simply put, the United States has to transition to a zero-carbon economy, and the quicker we achieve this, the lower the climate costs that we, and the people of the world, will incur. All six elements presume concurrent action by federal, state, and local governments, each of which has an important and unique role to play in the energy transition.

• Restructuring Federal and State Taxes and Subsidies
• Supporting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
• Transforming Land Use
• Protecting Communities
• Minimizing Asset Loss
• Strengthening Governance

Oscar Serpell

Deputy Director

Oscar Serpell oversees all student programming, alumni engagement, faculty and student grants, and visiting scholars. He is also a researcher, writer, and policy analyst working on research initiatives with students and Center partners.

Meet Our Researchers