NUDGING TO ZERO: POLICY STEPS TO DECARBONIZE THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR

Payne Student Scholar Brett Shearer writes about how the majority of states have mandated renewable energy targets, and electric utilities have supported the transition to net-zero generation with self-imposed emissions targets. Consumers appear to agree, with many calling for action to fight climate change. We have thus reached a rare consensus between significant numbers of policymakers, the electric utilities, and the general public. That consensus, however, does not hold when the topic turns to how to achieve the agreed objective. The disagreements over the necessary policy steps moving forward now risk slowing or stopping the progress that has already been made within the electricity sector. July 21, 2020.