Net-Zero Pathways

Since 2018, C2ES has been working with dozens of leading companies to identify pathways to reach long-term climate goals. Originally launched as the Climate Innovation 2050 initiative, this effort – now the Net-Zero Pathways Initiative – continues to work with leading companies to identify and advocate for policies that can accelerate the transition to a thriving, just and equitable net-zero emissions economy. We engage companies across the economy, including the power, transportation, finance, tech, oil and gas, chemicals, cement, manufacturing, and food/agriculture sectors. This effort develops a broad range of research, analysis and detailed policy solutions and continues to convene stakeholders at regional roundtables around the country to better understand and accelerate the alignment of climate and economic development objectives.

Climate and Energy Policy Priorities

Our latest set of legislative and executive recommendations fall into four major priority categories: Investment, Competitiveness, Community, and Whole of Economy. Plus, previous sets of policy priorities.

Regional Roundtables

Firing Up Clean Hydrogen in Texas

Our June 2023 roundtable in Texas explored the opportunity and the associated market, regulatory, and technological challenges of developing the clean hydrogen industry in Texas. Topics for discussion included: Texas’s comparative advantages in the hydrogen sector, and the impact of a diverse portfolio on the state’s competitive position; leveraging existing infrastructure for the near-term expansion of clean hydrogen; scaling up long-term demand for clean hydrogen; localizing positive impacts for communities and the workforce; and how federal, state, and local policies can facilitate private investment at scale in clean hydrogen production and utilization.

Key Takeaways

Blog: Firing up hydrogen in Texas

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Direct Air Capture in Wyoming

Our May 2023 roundtable in Wyoming explored the economic opportunity of developing the direct air capture (DAC) industry in Wyoming. Discussion sessions include: Maximizing access to geological sequestration; Developing policies to facilitate private investment at scale in large-scale DAC projects; Exploring the energy requirements for DAC projects; Considering siting of DAC projects and associated electricity/thermal generation; and identifying economic opportunities associated with the potential development of a regional DAC hub.

Key Takeaways

Blog: DAC Captures Wyoming’s Imagination

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Securing Louisiana’s Role in the Offshore Wind Industry

Our March 2023 roundtable in New Orleans, Louisiana, explored the economic opportunity that a thriving offshore wind industry could foster in the state. Discussion sessions included: Designing offshore wind projects for Gulf of Mexico conditions; Leveraging Louisiana’s existing expertise and assets for offshore wind; Mitigating and managing for environmental impacts; Ensuring effective community engagement and benefits sharing; and Connecting offshore wind power to users.

Key Takeaways

Blog: A gust of momentum for offshore wind?

Policy Brief