Rural America can reap significant benefits from investments made in the new climate economy, including measures to advance clean energy systems, remediate abandoned fossil fuel production sites, restore trees to the landscape, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Collectively, these actions can create new economic opportunities in rural places while addressing climate change.
This working paper presents a detailed analysis of the rural economic impact of federal policies that invest in the new climate economy, including information about the geographic and sectoral distribution of those investments.
The policies presented in the paper could help rebuild US infrastructure in a way that creates jobs, supports economically disadvantaged communities and addresses climate impacts. While this discussion is targeted at federal lawmakers, state and local policymakers may also find value in these proposals.