Clean Air Task Force: Recommendation

Last updated in November 2023.

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is one of the top climate nonprofits selected by Giving Green in 2023. We previously recommended CATF in 2022, 2021, and 2020. CATF has a history of successfully advocating for a wide array of climate provisions in the US and is expanding its influence internationally. In particular, CATF has begun to scale its work on technology innovation to include global implementation and commercialization, focusing on technologies that are either nascent or lack broad support from civil society. By raising awareness and advocating for favorable policies in these areas, we think CATF can speed up decarbonization in sectors that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.

When we reassessed CATF in 2023, we closely analyzed three program areas aligned with our sectors of focus—superhot rock energy, zero-carbon fuels, and transportation decarbonization—and were impressed by the teams’ technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. While we have not assessed the other program areas in detail, we have a strong view of CATF’s work overall; our recommendation is for unrestricted funding for the organization at large. 

CATF would use additional funds to support the multi-year strategies of its existing programs and continued international expansion.

For more information, see our deep dive on CATF, a summary below, and our broader deep dive reports on geothermal energy and decarbonizing aviation and maritime shipping.

What is CATF?

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit that advances technologies and policies essential for economy-wide decarbonization. It was founded in 1996.

How could CATF help address climate change?

CATF’s work elevates critical, emerging climate technologies that need robust investment and supportive policies to scale effectively.

What does CATF do?

CATF’s work to support technological innovation can be generalized into three categories: identifying technical and market barriers through modeling and systems analysis, engaging with stakeholders to align strategies to address these barriers, and advocating for policies supporting technological development and market growth.

What are some of CATF’s historical accomplishments?

CATF helped secure key climate provisions in the bipartisan Energy Act of 2020 and provided technical assistance and input on important authorization and funding measures in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It also successfully advocated for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions related to cutting methane pollution, advancing neglected low-emissions technologies, and making tax incentives and grants stackable. CATF was instrumental in catalyzing the Global Methane Pledge, introduced by US President Joe Biden and EU President Ursula von der Leyen in September 2021 and signed by over 100 countries at COP26. Under this pledge, countries collectively agreed to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

What’s new in 2023?

CATF has been deeply engaged in advocating for US hydrogen hubs, regional networks of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and enabling infrastructure intended to accelerate market growth. In October 2023, the Biden Administration announced the allocation of $7 billion to seven regional hubs. We look forward to CATF’s contributions to implementing these hubs, including guidance on priority end-use sectors and the role of community engagement. CATF has also successfully advocated for the appropriation of $20 million to explore superhot rock pilot demonstrations and introduced the technology on a global stage at COP27.

What would CATF do with your donation?

CATF plans to expand its geographical scope and policy focus to meet the global decarbonization challenge. We think it is well-positioned to capitalize on the current political climate, influence policy debate within the US and EU, and promote pragmatic climate pathways in Africa and the Middle East. 

Why is Giving Green excited about CATF?

Giving Green is particularly excited about CATF’s work in sectors that align with our 2023 assessment of scale, feasibility, and funding need, including superhot rock energy, zero-carbon fuels, and decarbonizing maritime shipping and aviation. 

Donate to CATF to advance a broad portfolio of zero-carbon technologies for a sustainble future.

Clean Air Task Force is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States. We are only offering an opinion on CATF, and not on CATF Action. This is a non-partisan analysis (study or research) and is provided for educational purposes.