Goal

Midwestern states are increasingly pursuing clean energy policies that achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed changes will simultaneously reduce emissions of NO_X , SO₂ , VOCs, and PM. Reducing these emissions will generally reduce ambient concentrations of ozone and fine particulate pollutants, which in turn benefits life expectancy, asthma, and other health outcomes. Our goal is to provide objective and timely information on air quality and health impacts as an important factor in clean energy policy discussions.

Objectives

With support from the Joyce Foundation and the McKnight Foundation, the Holloway Group works with advocacy groups to quantify the potential air quality and health impacts from policies aimed at decarbonizing electricity, transportation, and buildings. We work closely with energy and environmental non-profits in each state to identify policies focused on state-wide carbon reduction goals and assess changes in energy use and emissions. We use the U.S. EPA’s COBRA model to quantify the resulting air quality improvements and health benefits and develop air quality metrics for communication to state-level decision makers.

Outcomes

We have performed policy analysis on behalf of clean energy stakeholders in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois. We have evaluated benefits from electricity sector decarbonization and accelerated adoption of electric vehicles, and low carbon fuels. We further help stakeholders understand how policies can remediate the disproportionately poor air quality borne by communities of color. We have conducted briefings for state agencies, regulators, and public-interest stakeholders.