The past year of extreme heat, drought, flooding and wildfire underscores the need for stronger measures to advance clean energy, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen America’s climate resilience. With the start of a new Congress and presidential term, strong and sensible federal action to reduce climate risks and pursue clean energy opportunities must be a priority.

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions continues to favor market-based approaches that put a price on carbon as the most cost-effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from such approaches, which would require major new legislation, a range of executive actions by the Administration and steps by Congress can achieve significant progress in reducing emissions, expanding clean energy sources, and making communities and critical infrastructure more climate-resilient. This policy guide outlines some of the options available to the president and Congress.