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Cathleen
Kelly

Senior Fellow

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Climate and Energy
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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice; Clean Energy; Climate Change; Climate Impacts; Climate Resilience; Environmental and Climate Justice; Inflation Reduction Act; Infrastructure

Cathleen Kelly is a senior fellow for Energy and Environment at the Center for American Progress. She specializes in U.S. climate mitigation, climate and environmental justice, preparedness, resilience, and sustainable development policy. She is a co-founder of the Equitable and Just National Climate Forum, a coalition of environmental justice groups and national environmental organizations working to center equity and justice in the national climate agenda. Kelly served in the Obama administration at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, where she led a 20-plus-agency task force to develop a national climate resilience strategy. This strategy helped form the basis of the climate-preparedness pillar of President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan. Kelly also helped formulate the Obama administration’s positions on international sustainable development and climate policy issues.

Previously, Kelly directed the Climate & Energy Program at The German Marshall Fund of the United States, where she led a highly acclaimed paper series and events on climate and clean energy policy that drew the world’s top energy and climate policy players. She also held policy director and senior policy adviser positions at The Nature Conservancy and the Center for Clean Air Policy and was a professor of international and environmental policy at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, or SAIS.

Kelly is an internationally recognized climate policy expert and a regular adviser to U.S. officials on equitable and just climate and environmental policy issues. She is a prize-winning graduate of SAIS, where she earned a master of arts in international relations and energy and environmental policy.

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How the Trump Administration’s Embrace of Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industry Interests Will Endanger Children’s Health Report
Children climb on play equipment during sunset in Liberty State Park.

How the Trump Administration’s Embrace of Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industry Interests Will Endanger Children’s Health

The Trump administration’s actions to eliminate lifesaving environmental protections would allow corporate polluters to emit more toxins and chemicals, exposing more than 2 million kids to pollutants that increase the likelihood of lifelong health concerns—such as asthma, autism, ADHD, and cancer—while undercutting the administration’s own “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

Cathleen Kelly, Jill Rosenthal, Jasia Smith

The Trump Administration’s Attack on Environmental Protections Will Increase Cancer-Causing Pollution Report
In the background of the view of a residential street, smokestacks at the Hugh L. Spurlock Generating Station are seen in Maysville, Kentucky.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on Environmental Protections Will Increase Cancer-Causing Pollution

The Trump administration’s plan to torpedo air pollution limits and cancer prevention programs while ripping away health care and cancer treatment and canceling clean energy investments will increase preventable cancer cases among Americans—all to enhance polluters’ profits and cut taxes for the superrich.

Cathleen Kelly, Leo Banks, Jill Rosenthal

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Environmental Protections Will Give Polluters a Free Pass While Causing Millions of Asthma Attacks Report
Cars sit in traffic as the sun sets behind a veil of smog.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Environmental Protections Will Give Polluters a Free Pass While Causing Millions of Asthma Attacks

The Trump administration’s plan to weaken clean air protections could cause more than 10,000 asthma attacks per day while cutting lifesaving asthma prevention programs and as House Republicans seek to slash pollution reduction efforts, clean technology investments, and essential health care coverage—all to give tax breaks to billionaires.

Cathleen Kelly, Jill Rosenthal, Leo Banks

How the Trump Administration’s Agenda To Eliminate Environmental Protections and Promote the Fossil Fuel Industry Harms Public Health Fact Sheet
A view of DTE Energy's River Rouge power plant in Michigan.

How the Trump Administration’s Agenda To Eliminate Environmental Protections and Promote the Fossil Fuel Industry Harms Public Health

The Trump administration’s plan to abandon environmental and public health safeguards threatens the health and lives of Americans while lining the pockets of corporate polluters.

Cathleen Kelly, Jasia Smith

The Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Funding for Environmental Protections Endangers Americans’ Health While Draining Their Wallets Fact Sheet
People walk in Central Park amid hazy conditions in New York City.

The Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Funding for Environmental Protections Endangers Americans’ Health While Draining Their Wallets

The Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate environmental protections and funds that reduce pollution in working-class communities threaten public health and increase costs for families.

Cathleen Kelly, Jasia Smith

How Congress Can Protect Families From Dangerous Heat and Ensure Cool and Healthy Homes for All Report
A woman watches as person installs a heat pump

How Congress Can Protect Families From Dangerous Heat and Ensure Cool and Healthy Homes for All

On the heels of record-breaking heat this summer and fall, Congress must act to safeguard low-income Americans from extreme heat by investing in efficient and cost-effective heat pump air conditioning and programs to lower electricity costs for households.

Cathleen Kelly, Lucero Marquez, Jasia Smith

In the Wake of Hurricane Helene, Congress Must Invest in Rebuilding Strong, Prosperous, and Climate-Resilient Communities Article
A bridge across Mill Creek damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene is seen in Old Fort, North Carolina.

In the Wake of Hurricane Helene, Congress Must Invest in Rebuilding Strong, Prosperous, and Climate-Resilient Communities

The Biden-Harris administration has rapidly mobilized disaster relief aid to Appalachia and other hard-hit areas. Congress must act quickly to deliver the funds required to rebuild communities that can prosper and withstand future climate disasters.

Cathleen Kelly, Christian E. Weller, Natalie Baker

Securing Environmental Justice for All Report
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House before signing an executive order that would create the White House Office of Environmental Justice.

Securing Environmental Justice for All

The Biden administration has launched the most ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda in history to ensure that every community has clean air and water, can access living-wage jobs and affordable clean energy, and is protected from climate change threats.

Cathleen Kelly, Michele Roberts, Rachel Chang

‘Clean Up To Green Up’: Building a Clean Energy Workforce and a Brighter Future in Detroit Video

‘Clean Up To Green Up’: Building a Clean Energy Workforce and a Brighter Future in Detroit

The Green Door Initiative is using federal investments from President Joe Biden's Justice40 Initiative and the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that all people—regardless of race, income, or ZIP code—have access to good jobs and live in safe and healthy communities.

Margaret Cooney, Hannah Malus, Cathleen Kelly, 5 More Matthew Gossage, Toni Pandolfo, Jeremy Hill, Andrew Sonntag, Hai-Lam Phan

Securing Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthy Environment for All Video

Securing Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthy Environment for All

Industrial facilities are most often located in or near Black, brown, and low-income communities who face the brunt of harmful industrial pollution, climate change impacts, and other environmental and public health hazards—something Harold Mitchell experienced firsthand in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Fortunately, the Biden administration’s long-overdue environmental justice investments can ensure that all people—regardless of race, income, or ZIP code—have clean air and clean water and live in safe and healthy communities.

Devon Lespier, Margaret Cooney, Hannah Malus, 6 More Cathleen Kelly, Hai-Lam Phan, Matthew Gossage, Jeremy Hill, Andrew Sonntag, Toni Pandolfo

Panel Conversation Upcoming Session

Panel Conversation

Yoca Arditi-Rocha of the CLEO Institute will lead a moderated conversation on how Florida and other U.S. states can leverage Inflation Reduction Act funding to deliver real and lasting benefits to households and communities.

Equitable and Just Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Amid COVID-19 Report
Two people walk down a flooded street in Rodanthe, North Carolina, as Hurricane Dorian hits Cape Hatteras on September 6, 2019.

Equitable and Just Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Amid COVID-19

As the United States struggles to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state, and local governments must prepare communities for an extremely active hurricane season fueled by climate change, as well as support resilient and equitable rebuilding in the wake of disasters.

Rita Cliffton, Bianca Majumder, Cathleen Kelly

Building a Just Climate Future for North Carolina Report
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Workers put solar panels down during an installation May 3, 2106 in Washington, DC. The installation marked the one millionth in the U.S. in the past 40 years. It has been predicted that the U.S. will reach 2 million installations in two years. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Building a Just Climate Future for North Carolina

Amid the deadly threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have detailed how the ongoing threat of climate change is expected to worsen in the future, highlighting the need for state leaders to accelerate actions to provide access to pollution-free energy and build healthy climate change-ready communities.

Rita Cliffton, Cathleen Kelly

The High Price of Inaction Article
A woman stands between her home and the church next door, both of which were severely damaged by Hurricane Michael on October 20, 2018, in Panama City, Florida. (Getty/Scott Olson)

The High Price of Inaction

To avert the economic threats posed by extreme weather and climate disaster events, Congress must act to build resilient infrastructure and communities.

Guillermo Ortiz, Cathleen Kelly

5 Ways the New Congress Should Support Resilient Infrastructure Article
The 210 freeway remains closed as flames continue to spread under moonlight, September 2017. (Getty/David McNew)

5 Ways the New Congress Should Support Resilient Infrastructure

By designing a forward-looking and equitable infrastructure package that builds resilience to severe weather and climate change threats, the new Congress can improve the health, prosperity, and well-being of communities.

Kristina Costa, Cathleen Kelly

Florida Future Fund Report
A car sits in floodwater on September 12, 2017, after Hurricane Irma hit the San Marco neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida.

Florida Future Fund

Florida state leaders have an opportunity to support investments in innovative and future-ready transportation, energy systems, and flood protections so that communities can better withstand sea level rise and extreme weather threats.

Cathleen Kelly, Miranda Peterson, Guillermo Ortiz, 1 More Yoca Arditi-Rocha

Florida Future Fund: Accelerating Investment in Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Article
DigitalGlobe satellite image of the Everglades National Park in Florida, September 2017. (Getty/DigitalGlobe)

Florida Future Fund: Accelerating Investment in Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

By creating a Florida Future Fund, state leaders can upgrade crumbling infrastructure while supporting clean and inclusive economic growth; improving neighborhood livability; and protecting the air, water, and natural areas for all Floridians.

Cathleen Kelly, Miranda Peterson, Yoca Arditi-Rocha

A Framework for Local Action on Climate Change Report
Bicyclists ride along the streets of downtown Los Angeles on October 18, 2015. (AP/Richard Vogel)

A Framework for Local Action on Climate Change

As economic disparities and climate change risks rise, mayors must develop solutions that build resilient communities, create new economic opportunities, and support racial justice.

Cathleen Kelly, Cecilia Martinez, Walker Hathaway-Williams

Trump’s Executive Order Puts Infrastructure, Taxpayers At Risk In the News

Trump’s Executive Order Puts Infrastructure, Taxpayers At Risk

Author Cathleen Kelly warns that President Trump's new executive order will undermine public health and environmental protections, putting the interests of wealthy developers and powerful special interests first.

Morning Consult

Cathleen Kelly

These South Florida 4th-Graders Have a Message for Their Elected Officials About Climate Change Video

These South Florida 4th-Graders Have a Message for Their Elected Officials About Climate Change

As a call to action on climate change, Ms. Mendoza’s fourth-grade class at Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center wrote letters to their elected officials asking them to support solutions that will protect their community and future.

Miranda Peterson, Cathleen Kelly, Andrew Satter, 1 More Aki Suzuki

Climate denial puts infrastructure at risk In the News

Climate denial puts infrastructure at risk

Author Cathleen Kelly urges President Donald Trump and Congress to invest in actions and improvements that combat climate change, rather than continue to deny it.

The Progressive

Cathleen Kelly

Testimony of Cathleen Kelly Before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources on Domestically Sourced Raw Materials In the News

Testimony of Cathleen Kelly Before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources on Domestically Sourced Raw Materials

CAP Senior Fellow Cathleen Kelly testified before the House Natural Resources Committee about the importance of domestically sourced raw materials for infrastructure projects.

House Committee on Natural Resources

Cathleen Kelly

Making Nashville a More Livable and Sustainable City for All Report

Making Nashville a More Livable and Sustainable City for All

Nashville’s plan to make the city more livable in the midst of rapid population and economic growth can reach all residents by expanding improvements in communities that need them the most.

Miranda Peterson, Cathleen Kelly

Avoiding a Full Arctic Meltdown Report
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visits the Jakobshavn Glacier and the Ilulissat Icefjord on June 17, 2016, in Ilulissat, Greenland. (AP/Evan Vucci)

Avoiding a Full Arctic Meltdown

This fall, world leaders and science ministers have a shot at stepping up global action to avert catastrophic Arctic and global climate change.

Cathleen Kelly, Kelsey Schober

Proposals for a North American Climate Strategy Report
This summit provides a near-term opportunity for the three leaders to explore options for trilateral cooperation. (NASA Earth Observatory)

Proposals for a North American Climate Strategy

The new alignment of the United States, Mexico, and Canada on climate change—and the forthcoming North American Leaders’ Summit—present opportunities for these countries to undertake new, coordinated climate action.

Gwynne Taraska, Marcela López-Vallejo, Sam Adams, 6 More Erin Flanagan, Gustavo Alanís-Ortega, Cathleen Kelly, Andrew Light, Julia Martinez, Joe Thwaites

Resilient Midwestern Cities Report
A man plants vegetables in a garden in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, July 2010, near downtown Cincinnati. (AP/Al Behrman)

Resilient Midwestern Cities

The growing threats of flooding, heat-related deaths, and other climate change risks are driving Midwestern city and community leaders to make their cities more sustainable and just.

Cathleen Kelly, Miranda Peterson, Erin Auel, 2 More Gwynne Taraska, Philine Qian

The Mounting Threats of Climate Change In the News

The Mounting Threats of Climate Change

Cathleen Kelly discusses the steps that the next president can take to minimize climate risks by making the environment a top foreign policy priority.

Democracy Journal

Cathleen Kelly

Miami-Dade in Hot Water Report
A cyclist and vehicles negotiate heavily flooded streets as rain falls, September 23, 2014, in Miami Beach, Florida. (AP/Lynne Sladky)

Miami-Dade in Hot Water

As global temperatures rise, Miami-Dade County needs to build resilience fast if its diverse communities are to stand up to growing climate change threats.

Cathleen Kelly, Miranda Peterson, Madeleine Boel

State Future Funds Report
People wait to board a train to New York City at the Trenton train station in Trenton, New Jersey, July 2014. (AP/Mel Evans)

State Future Funds

For state and local leaders wondering how to keep pace with demands for clean energy and public transit, State Future Funds just may be the answer.

Cathleen Kelly

Safeguarding the Arctic Report
A boy walks along the banks of the Newtok River in the village of Newtok, Alaska. (AP/Al Grillo)

Safeguarding the Arctic

National security, coastal communities, and the environment are at stake as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry takes the helm of the Arctic Council.

Cathleen Kelly, Miranda Peterson

Saving the Arctic Report
Melt water rushes along the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet through a supraglacial stream channel, southwest of Ilulissat, Greenland. (AP/Ian Joughin)

Saving the Arctic

The United States should lead ambitious national, regional, and global efforts on climate change and black carbon reduction to slow rapid warming in the Arctic, protect millions of lives, improve food security, and safeguard our planet for future generations when U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry becomes chair of the Arctic Council in 2015.

Rebecca Lefton, Cathleen Kelly

One Storm Shy of Despair Report
Two weeks after Superstorm Sandy, Amber Whichard, 3, walks next to a line of people waiting to receive supplies donated to the victims of the hurricane at the Red Hook Houses in the Brooklyn borough of New York, November, 12, 2012. (AP/Seth Wenig)

One Storm Shy of Despair

President Obama and his State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience have an opportunity to reduce extreme weather and other climate change risks to low-income families and to create resilient, safe, and equitable communities that will allow all Americans to prosper.

Cathleen Kelly, Tracey Ross

Reducing Poverty Through Climate Action Report
A smoky sunset is seen behind the Alameda County Superior Courthouse in Oakland, California, on September 14, 2020. (Getty/East Bay Times/Digital First Media/Jane Tyska)

Reducing Poverty Through Climate Action

Ending poverty and preventing catastrophic climate change is within our reach, especially if countries commit to a new global development agenda that improves livelihoods in ways that support low-carbon and sustainable economic growth.

Molly Elgin-Cossart, Cathleen Kelly, Abigail Jones

Helping the Arctic Council Find Its True North Report
Inupiat hunter Karlin Itchoak coils the rope of a subsistence net after pulling in a beluga whale at Cape Nome near Nome, Alaska, as the sun sets on November 8, 2005. (AP/Laurent Dick)

Helping the Arctic Council Find Its True North

Secretary of State John Kerry needs to make climate change the focus of the Arctic Council and consider both immediate and longer-term goals if he wants to take decisive action upon becoming the Arctic Council chairman in 2015.

Cathleen Kelly, Michael Conathan, Vikram Singh

Why a Melting Arctic Could Sink the Global Economy Report
An Inuit hunter and fisherman steers his boat past a melting iceberg and along a fjord leading away from the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet. (AP/Brennan Linsley)

Why a Melting Arctic Could Sink the Global Economy

The United States needs to take the lead on reining in climate change in the Arctic and globally and addressing the environmental, economic, and national security implications of warming in the High North.

Cathleen Kelly

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