Research Reports

Climate adaptation involves preparing for the impacts of climate change, which are projected to become more frequent and intense. Implementing adaptation measures can help build climate resilience—the ability to endure these worsening effects, such as flooding, extreme heat, and other climate hazards. State and local governments around the country are working to develop and implement climate adaptation and resilience plans.

This document is the culmination of several years of collaborative and cooperative work among a wide set of legal, scientific, and economic experts in industry, government, academia and more. The Best Practice Approach Frameworks presented herein provide unique step-by-step processes as to how one can approach four rather complex topics that are integral to the conduct of natural resource damage assessments under U.S. laws and may also be applicable to practices under EU and other liability regimes.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the existing legal authorities the U.S. federal government can leverage to achieve the national goal of eliminating plastic release into the environment by 2040 while safeguarding human health and the environment. Building on the legal framework established by a Congressionally-mandated report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, the report categorizes federal authorities—spanning executive orders, legislation, regulations, and associated programs—into specific "intervention areas" across the plastic life cycle.

The report, Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers, provides policymakers with a comprehensive analysis of how existing federal law may be utilized to address the plastic pollution crisis.