Climate Change

In the absence of a federal climate change program, a number of states have taken actions that directly address greenhouse gases (GHGs). States’ efforts cover a wide range of policies. Although much of the early activity was largely symbolic, the more recent state actions have been more pragmatic. The states’ motivations may be as diverse as the actions themselves. Some states are motivated by projections of climatic changes, while others expect their policies to provide economic opportunities or other co-benefits, such as improvements in air quality, traffic congestion, and energy security. Another driver behind state action is the possibility of catalyzing federal legislation.