Economic Freedom, Trade, & Global Leadership

The Challenge

Economic liberty and trade are America’s anchors in the global clean‑energy era.

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How to think about it

At C3 Solutions, we understand that economic freedom fuels innovation, and that open markets enable global competitiveness. Countries with higher economic freedom generally exhibit stronger innovation and environmental performance.

Championing trade rules-based frameworks and eliminating unnecessary barriers strengthens America’s position as a leader in clean-tech and energy markets. When trade enables specialization and technology diffusion, it boosts productivity and expands markets—delivering cleaner energy and enhanced prosperity.

By advocating for regulatory efficiency, fair trade, and strategic economic partnerships, we can out-compete rivals, scale innovation, and sustain our leadership in the global clean-energy transformation.

Our Experts

Mar 2025

China is No Green Energy Darling

In one of his first actions as president, Joe Biden signed an executive order suspending new oil and gas leases on federal lands and reviewing existing operations.1 The alleged purpose

Mar 2025

Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

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Toward a Freer, Cleaner Planet

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

The ability of individuals to make their own choices and operate in free societies has demonstrated significant benefits for human flourishing and environmental progress. Greater innovation and entrepreneurship create a

Feb 2025

Sending Economic Growth and Emissions in Opposite Directions

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

Climate policy has been largely driven by two overarching narratives: decoupling vs degrowth. The degrowth mentality is that people consume too much, and restricting economic activity is a necessary means

Feb 2025

Free Economies Provide Clean Air and Water

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

Air pollution is one of the highest causes of premature death in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that ambient air pollution and household air pollution cause 6.7 million

May 2025

Full Expensing is Pro-Growth, Pro-Environment Policy

In this joint white paper, Nick Loris—Executive Vice President of Policy at C3 Solutions—and Josh T. Smith—energy‑policy lead at the Abundance Institute and visiting fellow with C3—propose replacing today’s patchwork

Feb 2025

Innovating and Adapting to a Cleaner Planet

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

Innovation triggers images of groundbreaking, transformational inventions. The Internet and online access, smartphones, CRISPR, and, most recently, artificial intelligence all come to mind. However, innovations, large and small, make the

Feb 2025

Economic Freedom and Environmental Performance

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

The Washington D.C.-based Heritage Foundation has published an Index of Economic Freedom for three decades. The Index measures economic freedom by scoring each country in the following categories. Heritage compiles

Feb 2025

Creatively Destroying for a Cleaner Planet

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

I first began driving in 2000. As a directionally challenged adolescent, any drive not to a friend’s house or McDonald’s required directions. Hour-long trips to soccer games with somewhat familiar

Feb 2025

Free Economies are Clean Economies

From Free Economies are Clean Economies 2025

The word “abundance” is having a moment right now. In recent years, books, podcasts, and organizations have embraced an abundance movement to improve the planet and the lives of its

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Leadership Change Announcement

Change is in the air. This year at C3 Solutions, we have an exciting announcement about our future. Click the link below to find out more! 

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