Climate Priorities

Climate change is a bigger threat than any one individual, company, industry, or government can address on its own. As the trade association of our country’s leading retail companies, RILA believes effective public policy has a critical role to play in protecting communities and economies globally from climate change’s most disruptive impacts. The United States should not shy away from its obligation to act.

We urge the Biden administration and Members of Congress to collaborate on bipartisan legislation that supports innovation, economic resiliency, and energy efficiency to help the United States prepare our economy and workforce to meet necessary emissions reductions.

Responding to the economic and moral imperatives of addressing climate change requires thoughtful and meaningful action. Leading retailers know the intricacies of navigating complex relationships and operational realities in the pursuit of sustainability. The retail industry is an ally in the fight against climate change and stands ready to partner with policymakers and provide constructive insights as we work towards achievable goals.

For a free copy of RILA's "Retail Climate Priorities," please complete the form.

Other Programs and Policy Drivers

Net Zero Emissions Targets

Achieving Net Zero emissions targets is contingent upon the policies implemented to achieve them, many of which are discussed in the Priorities. Importantly, these goals—especially if enforceable or binding—are likely to drive governments to adopt additional GHG control measures.

International Agreements

International climate agreements drive the development of domestic regulations designed to implement and achieve the corresponding international commitment. International agreements and cooperation are likely to expand in the coming years.

Agriculture & Forestry Sector Programs

Because many consumer products come from the agriculture and forestry—food, paper goods, tissue, lumber, etc.—the retail industry may experience indirect effects from related policy, and may also have opportunities to reduce emissions within supply chains.

Economy-wide carbon pricing measures

These Economy-wide carbon pricing measures could include carbon taxes or cap and trade programs, which currently are employed in California and the 11 states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The retail sector is likely to experience direct impacts from any broad carbon pricing scheme through increases in energy, fuel and costs of goods and other costs. Indirect impacts may include increased product costs as manufacturers pass along costs to retail contractors/buyers, which could have impacts on customer purchasing behavior.