This spring, RFF launched its If/Then series, an initiative that shares timely insights from researchers on developments in energy and environmental policy in a rapidly changing legislative landscape. In an upcoming webinar on June 24, RFF scholars Alan Krupnick, Kevin Rennert, and Carlos Martín will be joined by NOTUS reporter Anna Kramer to discuss notable policy actions so far in 2025 and some key issues to watch. Register for the webinar.
Recent Event: Conversations on Electricity Affordability
Electricity affordability is a problem in the United States, as growing electricity demand puts pressure on aging infrastructure. Earlier this week, RFF and Canary Media hosted a panel of journalists, industry experts, and researchers who discussed possible solutions to this problem. “These are the types of conversations we are compelled to have in our current context—conversations about how the energy transition affects all of us in our day-to-day lives,” said Carlos Martín at the event. “Like our colleagues at Canary Media, we work to advance the clean energy transition and find solutions to the climate crisis. And, like Canary Media, we do our best to share information in accessible ways.”
Trade Policies Targeting Foreign Pollution Highlight Shared but Unequal Climate Responsibilities
Countries vary in how they regulate carbon emissions—some require that companies pay domestic fees for generating emissions, while imports from countries with weaker emissions standards often go untaxed. Some countries address this regulatory imbalance by placing fees on imports through policies known as carbon border adjustment mechanisms. But these fees tend to be borne disproportionately by developing countries that historically have contributed little to global emissions. In a new issue brief, RFF researchers Milan Elkerbout and Katarina Nehrkorn, with David Kleimann of ODI Global, examine these international climate-and-trade policies, considering how such policies can meet climate objectives while fairly distributing the responsibility of reducing global emissions.
India’s Urbanization Ambitions Are Shaping Its Plans for Decarbonization
India’s power sector has expanded rapidly over the past 25 years, fueled largely by coal. The timing of this development puts India on a unique path to meeting global emissions-reduction targets. Sandeep Pai, who researches and advises on energy transitions at nonprofit Swaniti Global, joined Resources Radio this week to discuss India’s efforts to expand energy access while moving toward a lower-carbon future. “India has a lot of aspirations to urbanize, grow, and industrialize … to at least reach the world average of per capita electricity consumption,” says Pai. “That means India’s electricity system has to triple as India tries to decarbonize.”