Issues

CRES Issue Priorities

To measure successful climate action, we must look at global emissions. Thanks largely to cutting-edge innovation, investment to increase the U.S. carbon advantage, and a commitment to clean energy technologies, the United States leads the world in emissions reductions. But there is still work to be done. CRES’ mission is to engage as many U.S. policymakers and the public to embrace an all-of-the-above energy approach, which would strengthen America’s leadership, boost local economies, secure strong domestic supply chains, and protect our planet. 

Innovation

Continued innovation will not only develop the next generation of affordable technologies needed to rapidly reduce, capture, and store greenhouse gas emissions, but also continue to grow a clean energy economy that already supports millions of clean energy jobs across the United States.

Federal Investment

Federal investment in research, development, and deployment can bring new, low-carbon technologies to the market in greater numbers and support America’s continued leadership in global emissions reductions.

Low-Carbon Technologies

The U.S. is a leader in developing all-of-the-above, innovative and efficient clean energy technologies that can drive global emissions reductions.

Research & Development

America’s world-class entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists are working to advance the development of alternative energy resources as part of an all-of-the-above portfolio and empower the United States to continue deploying clean energy technologies.

Commercialization & Demonstration

Demonstration projects test the effectiveness of innovative technologies in real world conditions at scale, often leveraging public-private partnerships to pave the way towards commercialization and widespread market adoption.  

Deployment

Deployment of new technologies and infrastructure is critical to continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and access to affordable energy. To ensure America’s continued leadership in lowering emissions, we must remove barriers to access resources, build energy infrastructure, and deploy new clean energy technologies.

Permitting & Regulatory Reform

Modernizing regulations, streamlining processes, and reducing costs while maintaining environmental integrity will accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and domestic resource production, resulting in economic gains for America and reduced global emissions.

Grid Modernization

The future of a secure, reliable, and resilient grid will rely heavily on expanded energy storage, smart-grid infrastructure, and new transmission that combined will allow for a seamless integration of all sources of energy.

Federal Lands & Waters

Homegrown American energy and the development of clean energy technologies rely on timely, responsible access to federal lands and waters.

American Competitiveness

While the United States is leading the world in emissions reductions, China’s and developing nation’s emissions continue to rise. By increasing American energy production and implementing an all-of-the-above energy approach, the U.S. will continue to not only be a global leader in reducing emissions, but also provide goods and energy for the rest of world, support economic growth and enhance security for America and our allies.

Energy Resources

Current low-carbon energy sources, including renewable resources and nuclear energy, are on track to account for one-fourth of American energy production. As these and emerging innovative technologies, such as carbon capture, continue to be developed, the U.S. should continue to develop all other domestic energy resources, to meet both domestic and global energy demands. Doing so will increase our energy security and also help to reduce global emissions, as the US is among the world’s most carbon efficient producers.

Secure Supply Chains

Reducing American reliance on adversarial nations by developing more secure domestic supply chains, including for the materials needed to produce clean energy technologies, is critical to reduce global emissions, advance national security and achieve domestic manufacturing goals.

Industrial Emissions

U.S. industry is at the forefront of deploying innovative technologies to reduce hard –to-abate emissions while securing strong domestic supply chains, creating American jobs, and contributing to local economies.

Trade & Carbon Accounting

Policies that strengthen the global competitiveness of carbon efficient producers, such as the United States, will reduce global emissions. Capitalizing on America’s carbon advantage requires reliable metrics and measurements.

Strategic & Critical Minerals

Continued over-reliance on geopolitical rivals for our energy supply chain has exposed the US to growing risk and economic vulnerability. Developing the critical minerals and resources needed for our energy needs, including clean energy technologies (EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, nuclear reactors, and more), in the United States is safer, cleaner, and more ethical.

Natural Resources

Natural solutions are a highly cost-effective pathway to capturing and sequestering carbon in our lands and ecosystems.

Agriculture

For too long, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and land managers have been left out of the conversation. As stewards of our lands, we should rely on their expertise to help protect our environment and address the effects of climate change.

Forestry

Creating healthy, resilient forests is a commonsense way we can support clean air, sequester carbon emissions, and maintain the health and safety of the environment.