States Are Moving to Combat Global Climate Change, CPA Study Finds

Innovations at State Level Outpace International Progress

While nations and international organizations are mired in disagreement over the basics of climate change policies, states are forging ahead with laws to save energy and guard against global warming. According to a soon to be released CPA report entitled The States and Global Climate Change: Adopted and Proposed Initiatives, states can learn from the experiences of their peers and select policies tailored to meet their own needs.

The report features state strategies to address global climate change and suggests different blueprints for action to those states who haven’t acted, or acted strongly, yet. It also rates the progress of states in meeting energy objectives that span many sectors — industrial, residential, transportation and government, to name a few.

An encouraging number of states and the District of Columbia have developed plans in response to global climate change, according to the report. Seven have drafted comprehensive state action plans — most with technical support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thirty states and the District of Columbia have passed legislative or regulatory measures dealing with climate change. Fourteen states have taken no action.

Washington is at the forefront of the state fight to bring global climate change under control. Washingtonians have concentrated on the transportation sector to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Localities in Washington must pass ordinances requiring large employers to manage their employees’ transportation. Seven Washington counties already have passed Trip Reduction Ordinances requiring smaller employers to reduce by 35 percent the number of employees driving to work alone by the year 2000. The state encourages ride-sharing by providing preferential parking and discounts at local businesses to commuters who ride-share.

States generally classify global climate change initiatives and policies according to economic sector. Many state plans attack climate change problems through the government sector, seeking to improve emissions levels in vehicle fleets and energy efficiency in state buildings. Others focus on upgrading practices in the electricity generation sector by promoting alternative fuel sources through tax credits, encouraging energy users to reduce consumption or developing plans to convert to renewable energy use.

The report was prepared for CPA by Georgetown University’s Harrison Institute of Public Law, with financial support from the U.S. EPA.

Curious about how your state is meeting the challenges of global climate change? Want to know how your state stacks up against climate change initiatives underway around the country? The States and Global Climate Change report will be available soon from CPA. Stay tuned to CPA’s website, http://www.cfpa.org, for more information.