The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ task force report, Embracing the Future: The Midwest and a New National Energy Policy, was released on June 8, 2009, brings a regional perspective to the national debate on climate and energy policy. With new data and analysis, the report includes recommendations for building, transportation and industrial energy efficiencies; emissions offsets; and low-carbon supply technologies.

Midwestern states account for more than a quarter (29 percent) of national greenhouse gas emissions and roughly 4 to 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the Midwest economy is significantly more carbon intensive than the national economy. As a result, the Midwest may be disproportionately affected by a new national energy policy, and thus has a considerable stake in its development.

John Livingston, managing partner of McKinsey & Company’s Chicago office, University of Iowa President Sally Mason, and Exelon chairman and chief executive officer John W. Rowe, cochaired the task force of thirty-two experts and stakeholders – Midwestern political, commercial, academic, environmental, and civic leaders. The group’s resulting report is a major step toward a coordinated regional approach.

Generous support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and W.K. Kellogg Foundation has made this task force possible.

Full Report (PDF)
Executive Summary (PDF)
Task Force Members (PDF) 
Press Release