State Actions

The Role of the U.S. States in Addressing Climate Change

In the absence of federal leadership to address the issue of climate change, many U.S. states and regions have begun taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These actions include setting emission reduction targets, mandating investment in renewables and energy efficiency, and developing plans to mitigate climate change. Beside climate change mitigation, state governments cite other reasons for action, including improving local air quality, promoting economic development, and reducing vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices.

While confronting the challenge of climate change will ultimately require comprehensive national policy and international agreements, the states and regions have a valuable role to play. States often function as “policy laboratories”, developing initiatives that serve as models for federal action, especially with environmental regulation. In addition, state actions can have a significant impact on emissions, because many individual states emit high levels of greenhouse gases. State actions are also important because states have primary jurisdiction over many areas—such as electricity generation, agriculture, and land use—that are critical to addressing climate change.

Go to: What's Being Done in the States