- Home
- Focus Areas
- Sustainability / Environment
- Retail Climate Priorities
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
Latest on Climate and Sustainability

Retailers Control Their Destiny with Workers
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 05/16/2023
Retail Realities: Employee Expectations Have Changed
- 05/11/2023

Retailers Crave Normal; Urge Debt Ceiling Agreement
- 05/09/2023
Leaving Denver Stronger, Smarter, More Resilient Than Ever
- 05/04/2023

Strengthening Connections, Developing Leaders
- 05/02/2023
Resiliency in Action
- 05/01/2023

Shaping Retail’s Future in Denver
- 04/30/2023
RILA and NDAA Collaborate on Vibrant Communities Initiative
- By [Lisa LaBruno]
- 04/27/2023

States Continue to Pass Major Privacy Legislation
- By [Austin Gold, Townsend Brown]
- 04/25/2023
Three Lessons from Single-Use Plastic Bag Bans
- By [Derek Mak]
- 04/21/2023
RILA Comments to the FTC on Proposed Non-Compete Rule
- 04/19/2023
Retailers Implore FTC to Withdraw Non-Compete Ban Proposal
- By [Evan Armstrong, Kathleen McGuigan]
- 04/19/2023