Technological Innovation

Deep decarbonization will require the widespread and relatively rapid deployment of clean technologies that are consistent with a deep decarbonization pathway. Market forces, including the potential for cost savings from energy efficiency, corporate responsibility programs, and public relations, will provide some incentives for adoption of cleaner technologies, but will be insufficient to drive adoption of decarbonization technologies as broadly and as quickly as needed. Accordingly, legal interventions will be needed to force adoption of decarbonization technologies at the level and pace needed to prevent unacceptable climate change harm. The chapter addresses the choice, implications, and coordination of legal interventions needed to meet deep decarbonization goals, focusing on the United States. There are a number of possible legal interventions available to encourage technologies consistent with deep decarbonization, but none alone are sufficient to achieve the deep cuts needed in carbon emissions set forth in deep decarbonization pathways. Therefore, a portfolio of different legal tools will be needed, and must be coordinated to ensure an integrated effort.