Memo: A Roadmap to 100% Clean Electricity by 2035

Power Sector Decarbonization through a Federal Clean Electricity Standard and Robust Clean Energy Investments and Justice-Centered Policies

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned and won on a bold platform for confronting the climate crisis and building a clean energy economic recovery—including a 100% clean energy standard for electricity by 2035, plus a $2 trillion investment in clean energy and infrastructure, and deep commitments to confronting systemic environmental injustice.

Congress must act on these commitments, and pass a federal Clean Electricity Standard (CES). This approach is proven in states—already one in three Americans live in a place targeting 100% clean, carbon-free power. It is popular, with more than two-thirds of voters supporting this policy. It is also a practical approach, which can ensure job creation and justice are at the center of a rapid clean energy transition.

In this report: 

• We outline how Congress can use a CES to put the U.S. on a path to 100% clean electricity by 2035.

• We show how a CES can be designed to rapidly decarbonize the power sector and center equity, good jobs, and community benefits while doing so. 

• We also outline a number of investments and justice-centered policies that will be required to achieve this rapid 100% clean power goal. 

• And we argue that this crucial policy commitment made by Democratic leaders can and must overcome any potential legislative barriers. This includes eliminating the filibuster in the United States Senate, or pass CES legislation through budget reconciliation.