| current
policy |
Only existing policies modeled, including the
Inflation Reduction
Act |
| clean electricity standard |
Requires 80% clean electricity by 2030.90 We allow wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil
generation with carbon capture and storage to contribute to the standard.
The CES rises linearly from 80% in 2030 to 100% in 2050 in our simulations. |
| carbon tax |
Carbon tax based on the
White House’s estimate of the
social cost of carbon.91 Rises from approximately
$50 to $80 per metric ton CO2 over the modeled time horizon. |
| ICE ban |
Ban on light-duty internal
combustion engine (ICE) vehicle
sales (passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, and medium- and
heavy-duty trucks). Requires that at least 80% of light-duty vehicle
sales are zero-emission by 2030 and 100% by 2035 and that at least
35% of medium and heavy-duty vehicle (short- and long-haul class 8
trucks, school, passenger, and transit buses) sales are zero-emission
by 2030, rising linearly to 100% by 2045. Vehicles already on the
road are not affected by this policy. |
| ICE
ban + CES |
Clean electricity standard + ICE ban |
| net-zero |
Linear decrease from 2020
GHG emissions to net-zero GHG emissions
in 2050. Net zero allows for positive GHG emissions as long as they
are offset by carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as direct
air capture. |
