Clean Air Task Force

Cutting emissions from super pollutant greenhouse gases – including – is one of the fastest ways to tackle climate change. Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration announced new actions to detect and reduce these climate super pollutants.

At the White House Super Pollutants Summit, the administration highlighted efforts to advance detection and reporting of super pollutants, industry leadership to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and new initiatives to reduce domestic and global emissions.

Since many of these climate super pollutants are relatively short-lived in the atmosphere, reducing emissions from them today can have an impact on global warming in our lifetimes – improving the climate and public health. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/23/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-to-detect-and-reduce-climate-super-pollutants/

CATF believes that has a potentially large role to play in reconciling the climate challenge with the need for reliable power by providing 24/7 carbon-free electricity to complement variable wind and solar.

This month, CATF experts and friends had the opportunity to tour – ’s largest single source of carbon-free energy. We were impressed that this single facility – on just 140 acres – provides nearly 10% of California’s electricity, with its small amount of spent fuel stored safely onsite. We are proud to have successfully advocated for its continued operation.

2024 is a major election year in many parts of the world, with potential for change at nearly every level of government. Durable climate policy, commercial progress, and pragmatic solutions are more important than ever.

See how CATF is leveraging the momentum from recent climate legislation and regulations and continuing to push for more – always with an eye toward cutting air pollution and increasing the number of tools in our climate toolbox.

2024 mid-year impact: Keeping climate momentum 2024 is a major election year in many parts of the world, with potential for change at nearly every level of government.

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has a critical role to play in securing Europe’s climate-neutral future and the opportunity to become an innovation catalyst for the continent’s energy transition.

Learn more about CATF’s work in the region 👇

CATF's work in Central and Eastern Europe Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has a critical role to play in securing Europe’s climate-neutral future.

OUT NOW: Fourth annual report from CATF + Ceres compares the reported and other greenhouse gas emissions from over 300 U.S. producers and found a downward trend in overall reported emissions – underscoring the importance of new regulations.

However, there is still a massive gap in methane emissions between similarly sized operators in the same geographic area, highlighting that a company’s climate impact is a direct result of operational decisions within its control.

The difference in methane emissions between companies exemplifies the gap between those using best practices and those that aren't. That gap can only be remedied by implementing standards like U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent regulations, which can ensure that all operators minimize emissions.

New report finds gap between leaders and laggards on methane emissions widens, underscores importance of new regulations Updated analysis benchmarks the production-based emissions of the largest oil and gas producers in the United States for 2022.

The UK has a huge opportunity to ramp up its climate leadership by cutting emissions from its oil and gas sector. With the EU and U.S. moving forward with ambitious methane regulations, now is the time to .

Following visits in 2021 and 2022, CATF returned to the South of England to document pollution from onshore oil wells using an optical gas imaging camera. We found constant emissions at all sites surveyed, both from highly polluting cold venting techniques and equipment leaks.

These types of methane emissions are easy to mitigate with readily available tools and technologies – and with methane over 80 times more potent than CO2 for global warming over a period of 20 years – it's critical they are tackled as soon as possible.

The unseen methane emissions of fossil fuel extraction Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG), tonne per tonne it is 82.5 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 20-year period and r...

Cutting from ’s waste sector is crucial for the climate and public health – and new remote sensing tools can help governments implement and monitor effective methane mitigation measures.

From eyes in space to hands on the ground: Using remote sensing to mitigate methane emissions from Africa’s waste sector Solid waste management is a major source of greenhouse gases, accounting for roughly 11% of worldwide anthropogenic methane emissions.

Carbon capture and storage technologies are a critical climate solution needed to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries like steel and cement. A new funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy will help expand CO2 transport infrastructure in the U.S.

Funding announcement: DOE invests in carbon dioxide transport through CIFIA Future Growth Grants Newly released funding from the U.S. Department of Energy is an important next step to expand CO2 transport infrastructure.

EPA’s final carbon pollution standards released last week are a positive step forward for the climate and will lead to emissions reductions from existing coal and new gas-fired power plants – but there is more work to be done.

CATF’s latest blog details how recommendations from CATF and others led to strengthened standards, how implementation of this rule will play out in the states, and why EPA must now finalize emissions standards for existing gas-fired power plants.

EPA delivers carbon emission reductions from power plants, but work remains EPA recently finalized carbon pollution standards for existing coal and new gas-fired power plants as required under the Clean Air Act.

Global air travel – responsible for 2-3% of total CO2 emissions in 2022 – is a critical sector to decarbonize to meet our climate goals. CATF’s latest report explores the leading potential energy carriers for aviation decarbonization and finds that a combination of fuels is a plausible deep decarbonization strategy for the aviation sector.

Successful aviation decarbonization will require multiple fuel sources, finds CATF report Clean Air Task Force (CATF) conducted a detailed analysis of leading potential energy carriers for aviation decarbonization.

As historic climate funding makes its way across the U.S., it’s important to show how these policies are propelling businesses, states, and communities to a clean energy future and what more can be done to keep up the momentum.

CATF’s revamped U.S. Implementation Resource Hub helps stakeholders take advantage of federal investments by providing technical research, funding trackers, and community benefit guides, spanning a variety of climate technologies:

U.S. Implementation Resource Hub Explore our resource hub to help unlock funds for deep emissions reductions and to monitor and support progress at federal and local level.

The has a unique opportunity to re-establish its role as a global champion, deliver significant climate benefits through emissions reductions, and improve energy security for its citizens.

The UK’s leadership in the fight against methane has already proved invaluable but, with the EU and U.S. stepping up with concrete emission reduction commitments - like the EU's Methane Regulation and import standard, and the U.S. methane fee - it’s the UK’s time to deliver.

The UK's methane opportunity Cutting methane emissions in the energy sector isn’t a silver bullet to solving the climate crisis, but it is the fastest way to reign in global warming.

’s San Joaquin Valley is in a unique position to benefit from the clean energy transition given its existing industry, land, skilled workforce, and clean energy resources. The transition also presents an opportunity to address some of the significant challenges the region faces, including water constraints, transitioning agricultural land, pollution, and socio-economic disparities.

This report is the culmination of a year-long effort led by Clean Air Task Force to engage local leaders on what a clean energy future might look like for the . Key findings underscore the potential for clean energy to stimulate the local
economy, create diverse job opportunities, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits across the region.

New report finds California’s San Joaquin Valley can uniquely benefit from the clean energy transition A new report finds that California’s San Joaquin Valley is in a unique position to benefit from the clean energy transition.

Feeling hopeless about our planet? At Clean Air Task Force, we have a history of doing things differently. This , let us put your dollars to work to advance the practical solutions our planet needs. Named one of the most effective climate organizations, CATF ensures that your dollars can make a real difference: https://donate.catf.us/page/66398/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=earthday2024_FB

Clean Air Task Force is working to rapidly reduce emissions while advancing bold, durable climate solutions. This , help us push for climate and clean energy policies guided by science and built to last: https://donate.catf.us/page/66398/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=earthday2024_FB

from the solid waste sector currently accounts for more than 20% of the total methane emissions in .

A NEW report from CATF, , and Ambire Global explores opportunities in Colombia improve waste management practices and abate methane from this critical sector.

Colombian Waste Sector Methane Analysis Colombia has seen significant progress in upgrading its waste management system in recent decades.

is April 22! At Clean Air Task Force, we have a history of doing things differently. With your support, we can continue to advance groundbreaking solutions that make a real impact.

Celebrate with purpose and donate with confidence: https://donate.catf.us/page/66398/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=earthday2024_FB

We are honored to have achieved a top rating in the “Protect the Environment” category from Charity Navigator!

This , learn more about our work advocating for resilient climate solutions for a high-energy planet: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/best-charities/protect-environment/

How can we ensure federally incentivized production leads to emissions reductions? CATF’s experts detail how The U.S. Department of the Treasury can implement the 45V Hydrogen Production Tax Credit effectively to bolster a truly clean hydrogen market in the U.S.

Hydrogen can play a role in decarbonization, but Treasury needs to get 45V right Hydrogen itself may be critical to our ability to reach net-zero because of its potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

To accelerate the deployment of renewable and clean energy generation, the U.S. needs a critical upgrade to its energy infrastructure.

A NEW report from CATF + Niskanen Center provides recommendations to bolster high-capacity, modernized transmission lines.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Overcoming Barriers to Federal Transmission Permitting This report establishes a comprehensive evidentiary record of permitting challenges faced by electric transmission projects.

Despite tremendous climate progress, Europe is still offtrack to meet its climate targets. Learn how national governments can enact adequate planning now through their National Energy and Climate Plans to reach climate neutrality.

The EU’s climate challenge of 2024: Tackling the planning gap head-on Europe is facing a planning gap, which, left unaddressed, might jeopardize climate action altogether.

Midwestern states host a number of the country’s largest hard-to-abate industrial facilities. Learn how carbon capture and storage can provide an industrial decarbonization option where electrification or other zero-carbon alternatives are not presently viable.

Carbon Capture and Storage in the Midwest Carbon capture and storage refers to a suite of technologies that reduce carbon dioxide pollution from industrial facilities and power plants.

energy is critical for global decarbonization. At the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit at the head of state level, CATF joined more than 30 countries and stakeholders from across the nuclear energy ecosystem to advance six principles to make efficient and responsible energy a reality.

Advancing the nuclear energy agenda: Highlights from the Brussels Summit Last week, world leaders, heads of state, policymakers, and sector leaders gathered in Brussels for the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit.

NEW, first-of-a-kind modeling from CATF finds geothermal energy could unlock terawatts of clean, firm power worldwide – demonstrating the vast potential of this resource. The interactive map explores the case for commercializing superhot rock geothermal energy by estimating the technology’s energy potential around the world.

Superhot rock geothermal energy could unlock terawatts of clean, firm power worldwide, finds CATF A new, first-of-its-kind modeling tool from Clean Air Task Force highlights the vast energy potential of superhot rock geothermal energy.

Next-generation geothermal energy, like , is a cornerstone for accelerating global decarbonization. A NEW liftoff report from the U.S. Department of Energy charts a commercialization pathway for geothermal innovation in the U.S.

Focus on geothermal innovation heats up with DOE's new liftoff report DOE’s next-generation geothermal power report charts a course for the commercial scalability of next-generation geothermal technologies.

Electric transmission is crucial for delivering reliable, affordable, and low-carbon electricity. But federal permitting is often cited as a challenge to the development of energy infrastructure – especially electric transmission lines.

In a NEW report, CATF + Niskanen Center underscore the need for a comprehensive review of current permitting processes to promote the development of electric transmission infrastructure – critical for a reliable grid and meeting decarbonization goals.

Contextualizing Electric Transmission Permitting: Data from 2010 to 2020 Electric transmission is essential to maintaining grid reliability while meeting growing electricity demand.

How can we connect offshore wind energy to U.S. communities?

Learn how an under-explored option from the U.S. Department of Energy can unlock financing mechanisms to fill transmission gaps and improve affordability for this ready-to-deploy clean energy technology.

Shoring up transmission: How an under-explored option could unlock the promise of offshore wind Offshore wind is a ready-to-deploy clean energy technology that can play a key role in decarbonizing electricity.

How can Poland best navigate the energy transition?

NEW foundational reports from CATF offer a comprehensive roadmap to Poland’s clean energy transition and power system decarbonisation, detailing key growth opportunities available to Polish government.

A Vision for Poland's Clean Energy Transition Clean Air Task Force (CATF) has produced two foundational reports that offer a comprehensive roadmap to Poland's clean energy transition for the Polish government and all relevant stakeholders.

How can federal, state, and local policy help deploy solar power to meet clean energy needs while protecting the land? Dual-use solar – the co-location of solar with another land use such as interspersing panels with crop production or installing systems on water bodies – provides an opportunity to build renewable energy infrastructure in a way that integrates local benefits into the design.

But building dual-use solar is challenging under existing state and local land-use policies due to the complexity of it being a mixed land use. Most local governments have yet to incorporate any form of solar development into their existing land-use regulations or comprehensive land-use plans.

CATF’s latest blog explores how land-use policies can enable the deployment of dual-use solar and highlight the need for continued federal support for research and demonstration projects with clear guidance on standards and definitions.

Dual-use solar: U.S. policy considerations to drive clean energy deployment Dual-use solar has the potential to provide added environmental, social, and economic benefits compared to traditional solar development.