Projects - Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics
The U.S. Foreign Policy for Clean Energy Taskforce
Projects - Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics
The U.S. Foreign Policy for Clean Energy Taskforce
About the Project

Clean energy and associated products are increasingly essential for the security and prosperity of the United States. But if the United States is to decarbonize its own economy and do its part to cut global emissions to net zero, it will have to effect change beyond its borders.

This project brings together a high-level, transpartisan taskforce of past and future U.S. foreign policymakers to explore how the U.S. government can use its financial, trade, regulatory, and diplomatic tools to strengthen clean energy supply chains around the world. Through technical analysis of supply chains for key energy technologies and transition minerals, engagement with active policymakers, and the publication of research and convening of public events, the group aims to develop a roadmap for the future of U.S. foreign policy for clean energy.

Programs

Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics

The Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics Program explores how climate change and the responses to it are changing international politics, global governance, and world security. Our work covers topics from the geopolitical implications of decarbonization and environmental breakdown to the challenge of building out clean energy supply chains, alternative protein options, and other challenges of a warming planet.

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Featured

How the U.S. Can Stop Losing the Race for Clean Energy

The United States lags far behind China in the race for clean energy technologies and critical minerals. It needs a robust domestic industrial policy and international partnerships to make up ground.

Solar panels in front of a barn with a U.S. flag

Key Products

Key Products

Ford Motor Company's electric F-150 Lightning on the production line at their Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan on September 8, 2022.
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Catching Up or Leaping Ahead? How Energy Innovation Can Secure U.S. Industrial Stature in a Net-Zero World

Chinese companies are dominating the production of technologies essential for a clean energy future. The United States should embrace innovation to preserve its future energy security.

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Assessing Progress in Building Clean Energy Supply Chains: The Technical Paper of the U.S. Foreign Policy for Clean Energy Taskforce

To build clean energy supply chains and regain geopolitical advantage, the United States and its partners need to focus strategic investment. This will require a set of targets that help identify where and when investment is needed. 

A staff member of Cornish Lithium at work in the company's new Lithium Hydroxide Demonstration Plant on November 11, 2024 in St Austell, Cornwall, England
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Minerals, Manufacturing, and Markets: Foreign Policy for U.S. Energy Technology and Minerals

The United States has deployed varying degrees of diplomacy, foreign financing, and trade for new energy technologies—but a pragmatic, holistic strategy is in order.

Examples of rare minerals obtained by recycling used batteries
paper
Regaining Geopolitical Advantage: How to Focus U.S. Foreign Policy for Clean Energy

The United States is losing the race for secure supply chains of clean energy. But a new framework could help the United States achieve technological leadership and geopolitical advantage in an interconnected world.

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Clean Energy Investment At Home and Abroad
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Clean Energy Investment At Home and Abroad
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Centering Clean Energy in Trade and Foreign Policy
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Centering Clean Energy in Trade and Foreign Policy
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Embracing American Energy Innovation
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Embracing American Energy Innovation
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Taskforce Members

Katie Auth

Policy Director
Energy for Growth Hub

George David Banks

Fellow
Bipartisan Policy Center

Chris Barnard

President
American Conservation Coalition