Past state legislation
From ClimateWiki
Though many deny the existence of global warming, several states have still taken action toward creating a cleaner environment. The following is a description of past climate change legislation enacted at the state level.
Creation of State Climate Change Commissions
North Carolina Legislative Commission On Global Climate Change (2005) - An act to establish the legislative commission on global climate change; to direct the commission to study issues related to the global warming, the emerging carbon economy, and whether it is appropriate and desirable for the state to establish a global warming pollutant reduction goal; and, if the commission determines that the establishment of a goal is appropriate and desirable, to authorize the commission to develop a recommended goal.
Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission (2006) - Creating an Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission: the duties of the commission include assessing the current and potential effects of climate warming trends on the citizens, natural resources, public health, and economy of the state, in particular the adverse effects on natural resource development, forest safety, fish and game utilization, transportation, community, and resource development infrastructures; estimating costs to the state and its citizens of adverse effects associated with climate change; identifying specific circumstances of flooding and erosion that have affected life, property, and economic and resource development in the state; examining alternative measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of flooding and erosion; developing policies to guide infrastructure investments in Alaska villages, cities, and boroughs that are most affected by flooding and erosion; recommending land use regulations, including area standards for designation of land prone to flooding and erosion; investigating and assessing issues involving permafrost and damage caused by permafrost; recommending policies to decrease the negative effects of climate change; and identifying and coordinating efforts of mutual concern with federal, state, and
local agencies.
Arkansas Governor’s Commission On Global Warming (2007) - An act to establish the Governor's Commission on global warming; to direct the commission to study issues related to global warming and the emerging carbon market; to establish a global warming pollutant reduction goal and comprehensive strategic plan; and for other purposes.
Arizona Climate Action Initiative (2010): Emphasizes "green and grow" strategies that stimulate job creation in the clean energy economy, helping to place Arizona among the leading states for solar and other renewable energy technologies. The Governor's Policy on Climate Change also recognizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining Arizona's economic growth and competitiveness. Increased greenhouse gas emissions - a key driver influencing climate change - may result as Arizona's population and economy expands, but Arizona has significant strengths on which to build, including stringent renewable energy standards and one of the nation's most aggressive energy efficiency standards.The Governor's policy supports Arizona's continued collaboration in regional and national endeavors to advance clean energy and implement cost-effective solutions to climate change while safeguarding its unique state interests.
Creation of Climate Action Plans
Connecticut Climate Action Plan (2004) - established a Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change consisting of seven members. The steering committee shall assist with the implementation of the state-wide goals to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by performing the following duties:
(a)The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall consult with the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to establish a date for the long-term goal of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gas by seventy-five to eighty-five per cent below 2001 levels. If the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers has not established a date for such long term goal by January 1, 2005, the date for reaching such goal shall be 2050.
(b) Not later than January 1, 2005, the Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change, shall develop a climate change action plan, with the opportunity for public comment, which plan shall contain the policies and programs necessary to achieve the state's goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 and 2020. Not later than January 1, 2008, the steering committee shall develop an amended climate change action plan, with the opportunity for public comment, for achieving the long-term goal established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Not later than September 30, 2004, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the commissioners of other state agencies and the steering committee, shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment on the progress made in achieving the goals established in subsection (a) of this section and to evaluate the appropriateness of the climate change action plans developed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in achieving such goals. The commissioner shall provide an opportunity for public comment on such report prior to submission.
Maine Climate Action Plan (2003) - establish a lead-by-example initiative under which the department of climate change shall create an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions associated with state-owned facilities and state-funded programs and create a plan for reducing those emissions to below 1990 levels by 2010; by January 1, 2006, seek to establish carbon emission reduction agreements with at least 50 businesses and nonprofit organizations; participate in a regional effort to develop and adopt a greenhouse gas registry that includes 3rd-party verification; and create an annual statewide greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
States That Created Greenhouse Gas Reporting Registries
Climate Registries are non-profit organizations that aims to measure and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate, and transparent manner consistent across industry sectors and borders. They were enacted by the following states:
California
Wisconsin
West Virginia
States That Created Economy-Wide Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plans
Plans that aim to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the state. Enacted by the following states:
Hawaii
Minnesota
California
States That Created Performance Standards/Requirements For Electrical Power
These requirements ensure that all electricity used in a state is produced with certain greenhouse gas emissions standards. Enacted by the following states:
California
Washington
Minnesota
States That Created Performance Standards For Vehicles
By law states have the option of either following federal emissions standards for cars and light trucks or following California's standards. Other states that have already adopted or are in the process of adopting the California standard include:
Arizona
Connecticut
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Emissions Reductions in the Transportation Sector
In many states, transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The state of Washington, for example, has enacted laws that aim to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the future.
References
"State Legislation from Around the Country | Pew Center on Global Climate Change." Pew Center on Global Climate Change | Working Together ...Because Climate Change Is Serious Business. Web. 14 Mar. 2011. <http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/state_legislation.cfm>.
