New greenhouse gas emissions and energy policies at the Federal level could generate as many as 2.5 million new jobs and USD134 billion in economic activity in the U.S. while keeping energy costs down, according to a new report from the Center for Climate Strategies, published with Johns Hopkins University.

The report is based on economic impacts of climate policies developed by 16 states and calls for adoption of 23 specific policy approaches that have the potential to reduce pollution, are cost effective, and improve energy, health, environment, and economic development.

"Several states have pioneered creation of comprehensive state climate action plans in recent years," said Tom Peterson, President and CEO of the Center for Climate Strategies.

"Our analysis provides the first clear indication of what would happen to the economy if such programs were adopted at the Federal level."

"The Center for Climate Strategies report findings substantiate that advanced climate actions are essential to establishing a stable and strong economy, using clean energy sources, including renewables and nuclear power, as the primary drivers, long into the future," said former EPA Administrator and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Co-Chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy).

Surpassing proposed emission reductions

Suggested policy adoptions would focus on creation of new clean energy sources for heat and power; improved energy efficiency and industrial processes; transportation and land use improvements; agriculture and forestry conservation; and expanded recycling and waste energy recovery under a national framework.

Assuming full and appropriately scaled implementation of all 23 actions in all U.S. states, the resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions would surpass national GHG targets proposed by President Obama and congressional legislation, and would reduce U.S. emissions to 27 percent below 1990 levels in 2020.

The Center for Climate Strategies was established in 2004. It works with 40 states and several regions across the US, and in Mexico and China, to develop and advance comprehensive climate and energy policies and actions.

The Governmental Studies Program of Johns Hopkins University Washington Center periodically publishes timely reports of pathbreaking work that can better inform ongoing policy debate.