Accelerating Clean Energy Ambition: How the US Can Meet its Climate Goals While Delivering Public Health and Economic Benefits

The United States can cut its heat-trapping emissions rapidly—in line with science-informed goals and its international commitments—and at the same time secure significant economic and public health benefits, according to a Union of Concerned Scientists modeling analysis. Achieving these ambitious—and necessary—benefits will require bold, transformative change across institutions, society, sectors, and the economy. The nation needs clean energy policies beyond the Inflation Reduction Act and other current federal and state policies, as well as new policies that drive a fast, fair phaseout of fossil fuels. Policymakers should take actions appropriate to the urgency of the climate crisis and pursue equitable, just policies that center the well-being of people and communities.