But, did you know that the most of the GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years were not from policies, but from the low price of natural gas displacing coal to produce electricity. If solar and wind are cheaper and better than coal and natural gas, we don't need tax incentives, or mandates, it will happen quickest if economics are the driver. The war with Iran has increased the price of gasoline and diesel. Higher oil prices, and the unpredictability of fossil fuels are a great incentive for local renewable energy and reduced energy use.
And, as the adage goes, the horse and buggy were not replaced by the automobile because of tax breaks or government mandates, rather, people quickly learned that cars had real advantages over horses and made the switch.
This is not to say that policies and politics are not important. Policies like CAFE standards (mileage efficiency standards for cars) have been very effective at reducing emissions. We must continue to push for good energy and climate policies. But these also take time, hence this is only one of the pillars of Climate Responsible.
Here are a few things to be aware of with climate change policies and politics.
Your vote matters. It may not always seem like it, but it does! Read the CR Blog Your Vote Doesn't Count. If you feel helpless at the federal and state level, look at local politics and connect with like minded people. Lobby for community solar or for solar and wind friendly zoning.
We are making progress: The Biden era IRA were steps in the right direction. Some of these policies were altered with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, but incentives for nuclear power, battery storage, electric grid, and geothermal energy remain in place. This is a win, but also a reminder of how fickle politics can be. As we know, policies need to be consistent and long term to be most effective. Changing the rules every four years is not helpful to anyone.
Not partisan. Cheap, reliable, and secure energy is important to everyone. Those are not partisan issues. Clean energy meets these criteria right now! If you add a goal of 'better human health' you will have another vote for clean energy. (Burning coal is just a really bad idea for human health.). If you then add slowing climate change then the ONLY real choice is renewable energy, geothermal, or nuclear. Again, this should NOT be a partisan issue. It is only partisan because of politics and misinformation. This is where it is important to learn the facts about our energy system. Research the impacts of coal on human health. Research tax subsidies for fossil fuels. Learn that no energy sources are perfect.
Political leadership: We are living in an interesting time as political candidates have distanced themselves from issues of climate change to not offend voters. Understandably they are talking about affordability and inflation, grocery store prices and prices at the pump, the 40 Trillion dollars federal debt, the insolvency of social security and waste fraud and abuse in government. These are all critical issues! Climate change will not likely be a priority on any candidates platform. This is unfortunate, but also, this is politics. In general democratic candidates have taken the leadership roles in climate and energy policy, but there are a growing number of republicans that recognize the issue. The most notable is the Conservative Climate Caucus who recognize the importance of clean energy, but also are concerned about clean energy policies that would hurt the economy.
Consumer less: Taking a broader view, voting also includes what and how much we consume, how we spend our money. (David, keep working on this.)
Voting is a critical tool in the fight to slow climate change. good policies are critical to a quick energy transition.
