State activity on climate change
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As of March 2016, several states enacted policies related to climate change, though the majority of states enacted few to no policies at the state level.
As of March 2016, five states mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and 11 states imposed mandatory emissions standards for automobiles.[1]
The article below contains information on state-led—not federal—climate policies.
Background
Definitions
Climate can be described as the average weather around the globe or a statistical description of global weather over a period of months, years, or decades. Climate measurements include temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, storm patterns, and other meteorological phenomena throughout the globe. Climate is naturally variable regardless of human activity. Scientific discussions have focused on the extent to which human activity can affect the climate.[2][3]
Climate change refers to a significant change in the above statistical measures, such as changes in surface and ocean temperature, precipitation, storm and wind patterns, and other phenomena over period of decades, centuries, or millennia. In the public debate, the term climate change may be used interchangeable with the theory that human activity contributes to and/or is responsible for global warming and subsequent changes in the climate since the Industrial Revolution. [4]
Global warming refers to rising global average surface temperatures. The theory of human-caused climate change states that global warming can occur when concentrations of greenhouse gases (heat-trapping gases) such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane rise and thus keep more heat in the atmosphere than can escape into space and/or be absorbed on Earth. More heat in the atmosphere, less absorption of carbon dioxide and similar gases on Earth, and solar activity may contribute to an increase in global average surface temperatures. According to the theory of human-caused climate change, human activity, particularly the use of oil, coal, and natural gas, is the main contributor of global warming, which could contribute to long-term changes in the climate and global weather patterns.[5]
Human-caused climate change is the theory that human-induced increases in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can lead to global warming and subsequent changes in the climate. The theory states that global warming can occur when concentrations of greenhouse gases (heat-trapping gases) such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane rise and thus keep more heat in the atmosphere than can escape into space and/or be absorbed on Earth. More heat in the atmosphere, less absorption of carbon dioxide and similar gases on Earth, and solar activity may contribute to an increase in global average surface temperatures.[5]
Summary
As of March 2016, five states had mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.[6]
As of March 2016, seven states had enacted non-binding state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, New York, New Mexico, and Oregon.[6]
As of March 2016, eleven states had imposed mandatory emissions standards for automobiles: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.[7]
2002-2008
Between 2002 and 2008, 30 states had passed or considered a plan or goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change, or were part of a voluntary, regional agreement to reduce emissions.
During that time, 12 of these states had Republican governors, 18 had Democratic governors, six had Republican-controlled state legislatures, 18 had Democratically controlled state legislatures, and six state legislatures were split.
Three Republican trifectas (when one party controls the governorship and legislature) were in power when some form of climate change plan was enacted or signed: Alaska, Florida, and Utah.
Meanwhile, eleven Democratic trifectas existed when some form of climate change plan was enacted or signed: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
2009-2012
Between 2009 and 2012, seventeen of the 30 states ended their participation in climate change plans either by leaving a regional agreement or repealing state policies (including Arkansas, which had not implemented its own climate policy recommendations).
During that time, 10 Republican governors and six Democratic governors were in office. Republicans controlled 10 state legislatures, Democrats controlled four legislatures, and two state legislatures were divided. In the end, seven Republican trifectas (Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Utah, and Wisconsin) and two Democratic trifectas (Illinois and Washington) were in power when their respective states ended previous state action on climate change either through repeal or the abandonment of a regional agreement.
Of the 17 states that ended their programs, only two states (Florida and Arizona) had repealed legislatively enacted climate change plans, while 15 states were part of regional agreements to limit greenhouse gases and had left (these states were part of the Western Climate Initiative or the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord; meanwhile, New Jersey was the only state to leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an agreement among Northeastern states).
As of March 2016, the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord had not been formally dissolved, but the six original member states and one non-contributing observer state involved never adopted a climate plan, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office.
Table
The table below summarizes all state-led climate policies, including any mandatory and non-binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions led by the states and any state-led vehicle emissions standards aimed at reducing the emissions of automobiles.
| State actions on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions standards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Mandatory GHG reductions | GHG vehicle standards | Reduction goal | Non-binding or mandatory reductions |
| Alabama | No | No | -- | |
| Arkansas | No | No | 50% below 2000 levels by 2035 | Non-binding |
| Colorado | No | No | 80% below 2005 levels in 2050 | Non-binding |
| Florida | No | No | 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 | Repealed (2012) |
| Georgia | No | No | -- | |
| Hawaii | Yes | No | 1990 levels by 2020 | Mandatory |
| Idaho | No | No | -- | |
| Kentucky | No | No | -- | |
| Louisiana | No | No | -- | |
| Mississippi | No | No | -- | |
| Missouri | No | No | -- | |
| Nebraska | No | No | -- | |
| North Carolina | No | No | -- | |
| North Dakota | No | No | -- | |
| Ohio | No | No | -- | |
| Oklahoma | No | No | -- | |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | -- | |
| South Carolina | No | No | -- | |
| South Dakota | No | No | -- | |
| Tennessee | No | No | -- | |
| Texas | No | No | -- | |
| Virginia | No | No | -- | |
| West Virginia | No | No | -- | |
| Wyoming | No | No | -- | |
| Washington | No | Yes | -- | |
| Illinois | No | No | 60% below 1990 levels by 2050 | Non-binding |
| Indiana | No | No | -- | |
| Iowa | No | No | -- | |
| Kansas | No | No | -- | |
| Michigan | No | No | -- | |
| Minnesota | No | No | -- | |
| Wisconsin | No | No | -- | |
| Alaska | No | No | -- | |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | 80% below 2001 levels by 2050 | Mandatory |
| Delaware | No | No | -- | |
| Maine | No | Yes | -- | |
| Maryland | No | Yes | -- | |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | 80% reduction by 2050 | Mandatory |
| New Hampshire | No | No | -- | |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | 80% below 2006 levels by 2050 | Mandatory |
| New York | No | Yes | 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 | Non-binding |
| Rhode Island | No | Yes | -- | |
| Vermont | No | Yes | -- | |
| Arizona | No | No | 50% below 2000 levels by 2040 | Non-binding |
| California | Yes | Yes | 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 | Mandatory |
| Montana | No | No | -- | |
| Nevada | No | No | -- | |
| New Mexico | No | No | 75% below 2000 levels by 2050 | Non-binding |
| Oregon | No | Yes | 75% below 1990 levels by 2050 | Non-binding (mandate proposed in July 2015) |
| Utah | No | No | -- | |
| Source: Click each state's name for sources and more in-depth information. Information about political party control in each state is available from Ballotpedia here. | ||||
Actions by state
State policies
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Alabama | |
| As of March 2016, Alabama was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Alaska | |
| As of March 2016, Alaska was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. It was also one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles, although the state has established several government offices devoted to addressing climate change.
In 2007, then-Governor Sarah Palin (R) established the Climate Change Sub-Cabinet to advise the governor's office on a state-specific climate change strategy to prepare residents for the "anticipated impacts from climate change." The cabinet would conduct scientific research and develop an "action plan" for reducing or mitigating any damage to the state's coasts, infrastructure, forests, and agricultural sector. The administrative order that established the cabinet recommended tapping into Alaska's natural gas reserves as a way to encourage "a clean, low carbon fuel to help the nation reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions." The cabinet includes several state commissioners, including the commissioners of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources.[8] In January 2010, the Alaska Adaptation Advisory Group (AAG) released a report on the state's recommendations on how "to adapt to climate change," although the report only included recommendations and did not constitute an official change in state policy. The group's recommendations varied from state support for climate research and greenhouse gas emissions data collection to an emphasis on climate change education in grades K-12. Additionally, the Alaska Mitigation Advisory Group—one of five work groups in the Alaska Governor's Sub-Cabinet on Climate Change—released a report on potential mitigation policies the state could adopt to reduce climate change's impact. The policies included an emissions reporting system and a market-based plan to reduce emissions (the group was ordered to remain neutral on the cause or extent of climate change). In addition to encouraging private energy conservation, the mitigation report also recommended potential oil and gas policy changes, such as making fossil fuel consumption more efficient and promoting renewable energy as a substitute for oil and gas use, although the report stated that these policy changes "would be very expensive to implement."[9][10] | ||
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Arizona | |
| As of March 2016, Arizona was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In September 2006, however, then-Governor Janet Napolitano (D) signed an executive order (Executive Order 2006-13) setting a non-binding goal for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2020 and 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2040. The order did mandate a greenhouse gas registry for tracking Arizona's emissions. It also required all state agencies to purchase low-carbon emission vehicles. In November 2007, as a result of Napolitano's executive order, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality announced it would consider adopting a "clean car program" requiring new passenger vehicles to meet greenhouse gas emissions standards, requirements similar to California's vehicle standards. In January 2012, however, then-Governor Jan Brewer (R) repealed the program.[11][12][13]
In 2007, Arizona joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. In 2010, then-Governor Brewer signed an executive order refusing to implement the WCI's cap-and-trade program in Arizona, citing its costs to the state's economy. Arizona ultimately withdrew from the WCI under Brewer in 2011, along with Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.[14][15][16] | ||
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Arkansas | |
| As of March 2016, Arkansas was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles, although the state has established several government offices devoted to addressing climate change.
In 2007, then-Governor Mike Beebe (D) created the Governor's Commission on Global Warming based on legislation passed by the state legislature. The commission studied climate change's potential effects to the state and recommended a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gases below 2000 levels by 2020, a 35 percent reduction from 2000 levels by 2025, and a 50 percent reduction by 2035. The commission also recommended renewable energy, energy efficiency standards, and an Arkansas Climate Change Center to oversee an implementation plan for the emissions reductions. As of March 2016, these recommendations has not been implemented by the state government.[17] | ||
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California | |
| As of March 2016, California was one of the five states to mandate greenhouse gas emissions reductions. It was also one of the 13 states to impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles and has consistently been the most active state on climate issues. As of March 2016, 11 other states had adopted California's greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles in some form.
One of California's first climate change initiatives was passed in 2004 when the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) created a climate change working group to consider greenhouse gas reduction strategies. In June 2005, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed an executive order to create an emissions reduction program for state agencies. In September 2006, the state legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act that established mandatory and market-oriented programs to reduce greenhouse gases. Statewide, greenhouse gas levels were required to reach 1990 levels before 2020 and reach 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. This legislation was the first state law to impose a mandatory cap on emissions with enforceable penalties. It also included a cap-and-trade program, a market-based method of decreasing emissions through the purchase and sale of emissions credits, that was fully implemented in 2011. The legislature also passed Senate Bill 1368, which required retail providers of electricity to limit emissions to 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour of electricity delivered. In February 2007, California joined the Western Climate Initiative, originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces, but as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the agreement. The WCI agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system for trading greenhouse gas emissions, a system ultimately modeled upon California's own cap-and-trade system, though most states did not implement such a system.[18] California has operated a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program since 1990, which sets emissions standards for cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles. These standards originally targeted conventional types of pollution from vehicles, such as smog-forming emissions and carbon monoxide. In 2002, the state legislature passed Assembly Bill 1493, which became the first state legislation to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. All new 2009 and subsequent model year cars and light trucks were required to meet the standards. California's goal was to reduce approximately 30 million metric tons of greenhouse gases by 2020. Although the California Air Resources Board (CARB) had approved the emissions standards in September 2004, under the federal Clean Air Act, California was required to seek a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before it could implement any vehicle emissions standards stricter than federal standards. At the time, California was unique in that it was the only state able to seek a waiver for stricter vehicle standards under federal law; Congress has since amended the Clean Air Act so that states can adopt California's stricter standards if they choose.[19][20][21][22] In December 2005, the California Air Resources Board applied for a waiver from the EPA. The waiver was denied in March 2008 under the Bush administration, but it was ultimately approved in June 2009 under the Obama administration. The waiver allowed California to officially adopt its vehicle standards. Around this time, between 2009 and 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation had proposed nationwide greenhouse gas emissions standards for new vehicles for model years 2012 to 2016 similar to California's standards. California was also involved in negotiations with the federal government on the national standards. The national standards were officially finalized and adopted in April 2010, and California agreed to adopt the federal standards for those years in lieu of its own standards.[19][20][21][22] On September 19, California Governor Jerry Brown (D) signed a bill regulating flatulence from dairy cows and other animals, mandating a reduction in hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs, which are organic compounds used in refrigeration and aerosol), and requiring a reduction in soot at landfills. Under the new law, the California Air Resources Board is allowed to regulate bovine flatulence if there are “practical ways to reduce the cows’ belching and breaking wind.” The law is designed to get California to reduce the state’s methane emissions by 40 percent before the year 2030. Methane is a colorless, odorless, flammable, naturally occurring gas that is emitted from natural and human-made sources, including wildfires, volcanoes, livestock cultivation, and natural gas extraction. To justify the new law, Brown cited the theory of human-made climate change and the role that greenhouse gases such as methane may contribute to global warming. Additionally, the law would require a 50 percent reduction of HFCs by the year 2030. Supporters of the bill, including environmental groups, have argued that the law would help reduce pollution that harms human health. Opponents of the bill, including agricultural groups, have argued that the law would force dairy farms to close or move out of state, causing job losses.[23][24] | ||
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Colorado | |
| As of March 2016, Colorado was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In April 2008, however, Governor Bill Ritter (D) signed an executive order setting a non-binding state goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 2005 levels in 2050. The order also established the Colorado Greenhouse Gas Inventory, a document that summarizes the state's greenhouse gas emissions each year. The 2014 edition tracked emissions between 1990 and 2014 and contained emissions projections into 2030; the inventory must be completed every five years by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.[25][26] | ||
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Connecticut | |
| As of March 2016, Connecticut was one of five states to mandate greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In June 2008, then-Governor Jodi Rell (R) signed House Bill 5600 (the Global Warming Solutions Act), which required Connecticut to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and achieve an 80 percent reduction below 2001 levels by 2050. Connecticut is also a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. As of March 2016, the RGGI included Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states in the group. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[27][6]
As of March 2016, Connecticut was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In May 2004, the state legislature passed the Clean Car Act, requiring all new 2009 to 2014 model year cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles to conform to California's greenhouse gas emissions standards.[28] | ||
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Delaware | |
| As of March 2016, Delaware was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. Delaware is, however, a founding member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. As of March 2016, the RGGI included Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states in the program. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[29][6] | ||
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Florida | |
|
As of March 2016, Florida was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. Previously, however, the state had begun implementing a cap-and-trade system. In June 2008, then-Governor Charlie Crist (R) signed House Bill 7135, which allowed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gasses generated by electric utilities. The program would have required a reduction in emissions to 2000 levels by 2017, 1990 levels by 2025, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Crist had already signed an executive order in 2007 to mandate statewide greenhouse gas standards. In April 2012, Governor Rick Scott (R) signed House Bill 4001, repealing the cap-and-trade system for power plant emissions. The system was never implemented before its repeal.[30][31] In March 2015, former employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection told an investigative news agency that they were forbidden from using "climate change" and "global warming" in their official government communications. Bart Bibler, a land management plan coordinator for the state, said he was suspended after using the term "climate change" in one of his reports, although the department has stated he was put on leave rather than suspended. "I didn't know there was any sort of ban on the subject or discussion," Bibler said in an interview with the Washington Post. "We should be talking about climate change. If we can't, that's absurd. And it's harming our future." A former department employee, Kristina Trotta, said that the "ban" on the term's use came from the Florida governor's office, although Governor Rick Scott's (R) office denied any sort of ban, official or otherwise.[32][33] The news prompted Secretary of State John Kerry to comment on the issue, although he did not mention Florida or Scott by name. "We literally do not have the time to debate whether we can say 'climate change.' We have to solve climate change," Kerry stated. "When science tells us that our climate is changing and human beings are largely causing that change, by what right do people just stand up and say, 'I dispute that,' or 'I deny this elementary truth'?"[34] Skepticism about climate change, which Scott has expressed since his 2010 campaign for governor, is more prevalent among Republicans than Democrats. Skeptics have argued in the past that the impact of climate change remains inconclusive and that policies such as greenhouse gas emissions limits for things like cars and power plants would stifle economic growth and reduce jobs.[35] | ||
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Georgia | |
| As of March 2016, Georgia was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Hawaii | |
As of March 2016, Hawaii was one of five states to mandate greenhouse gas emissions reductions, but not one of the 12 states to impose mandatory emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, the state legislature passed Act 234 (the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2007) that mandated statewide greenhouse gas reductions to 1990 levels by 2020. In June 2014, the Hawaii Department of Health created the Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Program "to combat the threat of climate change and sea level rise." The program requires a 16 percent greenhouse gas emissions cap for large stationary sources that have the potential to produce at least 100,000 or more metric tons of "carbon dioxide equivalent," which is a measuring unit to signify the impact of each greenhouse gas in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide needed to produce the same amount of warming. Each affected facility must submit an emissions reduction plan to meet the 16 percent cap. The Hawaii Department of Health enforces the program through a permit process. The deadline for facilities to submit their plans was June 30, 2015. In 2015, the state government also considers greenhouse gas emissions when it determines an affected facility's annual fees, which are required by all Hawaiian facilities that need an air pollution control permit to operate in the state. At the start of each year, the Clean Air Branch sends out forms for permit holders to calculate and pay their annual fees for their operations in the prior year.[36][37][38] | ||
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Idaho | |
| As of March 2016, Idaho was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Illinois | |
| As of March 2016, Illinois was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, then-Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) announced a non-binding goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Illinois was also a member of the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The accord first began in 2007 and included governors from Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The accord's goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office.[39][40][41] | ||
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Indiana | |
| As of March 2016, Indiana was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, then-Governor Mitch Daniels (R) signed onto the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier, as an non-contributing observer (the accord's official members included Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). Its goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved, including Indiana, never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Daniels left office in January 2013).[40][41] | ||
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Iowa | |
|
As of March 2016, Iowa was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles; however, in 2007, then-Governor Chet Culver (D) signed onto the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, of which Iowa was a contributing member. The accord first began in 2007 and included governors from Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well as Gov. Culver. Its goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Culver lost re-election in 2010).[40][41] | ||
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Kansas | |
| As of March 2016, Kansas was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) signed onto the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, of which Kansas is a contributing member. The accord first began in 2007 and included governors from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well as Gov. Sebelius. Its goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Sebelius left to become U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in January 2009).[40][41] | ||
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Kentucky | |
| As of March 2016, Kentucky was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Louisiana | |
| As of March 2016, Louisiana was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Maine | |
| As of March 2016, Maine was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level; however, Maine is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a "budget" for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[40][41][42]
As of March 2016, Maine was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards (Maine's standards were passed in 2005 and updated in December 2012). The law prohibits any individual, including vehicle manufacturers and dealers, from selling, leasing, importing, or renting new vehicles from 2001 and subsequent model year passenger vehicles and new medium-duty vehicles—as well as light trucks from 2003 and subsequent model years—unless they fall under emissions standards for conventional pollution certified by the California Air Resources Board. Meanwhile, all 2009 and subsequent model year vehicles must meet California's greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, light trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles.[43] | ||
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Maryland | |
| As of March 2016, Maryland was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level; however, Maryland is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[40][41]
As of March 2016, Maryland was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In 2007, then-Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley (D) signed into the law the Maryland Clean Cars Act, mandating that Connecticut adopt California's greenhouse gas emissions standards for all new model year 2011 vehicles (the Maryland standards also target volatile organic compound emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions).[44][45] | ||
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Massachusetts | |
| As of March 2016, Massachusetts was one of five states to mandate greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In August 2008, then-Governor Deval Patrick (D) signed the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), mandating a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050 "from all sectors of the economy."[46]
Massachusetts is also a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[40][41] As of March 2016, Massachusetts was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In 2006, Massachusetts required greenhouse gas emissions standards for new cars and light trucks for the 2009 model year and subsequent model years.[47] | ||
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Michigan | |
| As of March 2016, Michigan was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, then-Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) signed onto the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, of which Michigan is a contributing member. The accord first began in 2007 and included governors from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well as Gov. Granholm. Its goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Granholm left office in January 2011).[40][41] | ||
 |
Minnesota | |
| As of March 2016, Minnesota was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, then-Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) signed onto the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, of which Minnesota is a contributing member. The accord first began in 2007 and included governors from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Wisconsin, including Gov. Pawlenty. Its goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Pawlenty left office in January 2011).[40][41] | ||
 |
Mississippi | |
| As of March 2016, Mississippi was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
 |
Missouri | |
| As of March 2016, Missouri was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
 |
Montana | |
| As of March 2016, Montana was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, under then-Governor Brian Schweitzer (D), Montana joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. Montana ultimately withdrew from the WCI under Gov. Schweitzer in 2011, along with Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.[48] | ||
 |
Nebraska | |
| As of March 2016, Nebraska was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
 |
Nevada | |
| As of March 2016, Nevada was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In 2007, however, under then-Governor Jim Gibbons (R), Nevada became an observing member of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. As an observer, Nevada was not bound by any agreements made by official WCI members.[49] | ||
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New Hampshire | |
| As of March 2016, New Hampshire was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. New Hampshire is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[50][6] | ||
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New Jersey | |
| As of March 2016, New Jersey was one of five states to mandate greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In 2007, the state legislature passed and then-Governor Jon Corzine (D) signed into law the New Jersey Global Warming Response Act, which established statewide caps on greenhouse gas emissions. By 2020, the state is required to reduce its emissions to 1990 levels (a roughly 20 percent reduction), and by 2050 reduce its emissions 80 percent below 2006 levels. New Jersey was also a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states, until May 2011, when Governor Chris Christie (R) ended the state's membership, saying that its emissions reduction program "is not effective in reducing greenhouse gases and is unlikely to be in the future."[51][52][53]
As of March 2016, New Jersey was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. It adopted the California Low Emission Vehicle Program in January 2004. Known as the Clean Car Program in New Jersey, it requires all new passenger vehicles manufactured in the state for model year 2009 and beyond to conform to California's greenhouse gas emissions standards.[54][55] | ||
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New Mexico | |
| As of March 2016, New Mexico was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. In December 2006, however, then-Governor Bill Richardson (D) signed an executive order setting a non-binding goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2012, 10 percent below 2000 levels by 2020, and 75 percent below 2000 levels by 2050.[56] | ||
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New York | |
| As of March 2016, New York was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. In 2009, however, through an executive order signed by then-Governor David Paterson (D), the state set non-binding goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, commonly known as the "80 by 50" goal.[57][58]
New York is also a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[40][41] As of March 2016, New York was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In 1990, New York adopted California's Low Emission Vehicle program to reduce conventional vehicle pollution (such as volatile organic compounds) that began with 1993 model year passenger cars and light trucks. The standards were updated in 2005 to include all new 2009 model year vehicles manufactured and/or sold in New York and mandated those vehicles conform to California's greenhouse gas standards.[59][60] | ||
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North Carolina | |
| As of March 2016, North Carolina was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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North Dakota | |
| As of March 2016, North Dakota was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Ohio | |
| As of March 2016, Ohio was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Oklahoma | |
| As of March 2016, Oklahoma was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Oregon | |
As of March 2016, Oregon was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. In 2007, however, the Oregon State Legislature created non-binding, recommended goals for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2010, the state was expected to stop the growth of its emissions. Greenhouse gas levels were expected to be 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission mandates the submission of greenhouse gas emissions information each year from industrial facilities (specifically those requiring state permits), wastewater treatment facilities, electricity suppliers, fuel distribution centers, and landfills.[61][62] As of March 2016, Oregon was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission adopted California's standards in 2006.[63] In 2007, under then-Governor Ted Kulongoski (D), Oregon joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. Oregon ultimately withdrew from the WCI under Governor John Kitzhaber (D) in 2011, along with Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington.[64] | ||
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Pennsylvania | |
| As of March 2016, Pennsylvania was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. In 2006, however, Pennsylvania's Environmental Quality Board adopted California's greenhouse gas standards for automobiles. Called the Clean Vehicles Program, it requires all new passenger vehicles and light trucks (beginning with new model year 2008 vehicles) to meet the emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board. All vehicles with odometer readings of less than 7,500 were considered "new vehicles" under the program. All manufacturers and dealers in the state that make or sell the affected vehicles required certification from the state government to comply with the program.[65] | ||
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Rhode Island | |
| As of March 2016, Rhode Island was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. Rhode Island is, however, a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[66][6]
As of March 2016, Rhode Island was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In 2005, Rhode Island adopted California's greenhouse gas emissions standards for all new and subsequent model year vehicles beginning with 2009 model year vehicles and beyond.[67] | ||
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South Carolina | |
| As of March 2016, South Carolina was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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South Dakota | |
| As of March 2016, South Dakota was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Tennessee | |
| As of March 2016, Tennessee was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Texas | |
| As of March 2016, Texas was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
 |
Utah | |
| As of March 2016, Utah was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles.
In 2007, however, under then-Governor Jon Huntsman (R), Utah joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. Utah ultimately withdrew from the WCI under Governor Gary R. Herbert (R) in 2011, along with Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.[68] | ||
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Vermont | |
| As of March 2016, Vermont was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level; however, Vermont is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary, market-oriented regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among Northeastern states. The RGGI also includes Connecticut, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Under the program, emissions are capped at a certain level each year; the cap is lowered 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020. According to the RGGI, the emissions cap acts as a budget for the entire program and its state members. In 2015, the cap was 88.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the nine states total. States can sell their emission allowances to other states through auctions, and the proceeds are used to invest in renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency.[69][6]
As of March 2016, Vermont was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In November 2005, the Vermont Air Pollution Control Division adopted California's greenhouse gas emissions standards for new automobiles beginning in model year 2009 and subsequent model years. Manufacturers of these vehicles must meet a certain average emissions standard for greenhouse gases.[70][71] | ||
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Virginia | |
| As of March 2016, Virginia was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
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Washington | |
| As of March 2016, Washington was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level. The state did, however, have a goal of reducing emissions to specific levels by a particular year since 2008, when the state legislature passed statutory emissions limits in order to reduce Washington's overall greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020, 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2035, and 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Each Washington department was required to submit a greenhouse gas reduction plan for approval by the state legislature before December 2008. The law also mandated that Washington's Department of Ecology require greenhouse gas emissions information for specific large facilities and fuel suppliers if they release at least 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year in the state.[72][73]
In July 2015, Governor Jay Inslee (D) directed the state's Department of Ecology to consider a mandatory cap on greenhouse gas emissions in the state to achieve the legislature's goals passed in 2008. Inslee took these steps to enforce caps on greenhouse gas emissions after other proposals stalled in the Washington State Senate, which was controlled by Republicans at the time.[74] In March 2016, the department withdrew its proposal for a mandatory emissions cap. The rule was withdrawn because a large number of companies had requested exemptions, and there were questions about how precisely the system would work. Critics of the proposal pointed to the possibility that companies already planning to reduce their emissions would have seen large profits from the proposed cap.[75] As of March 2016, Washington was one of the 12 states to adopt greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles similar to California's standards. In 2005, Washington adopted California's greenhouse gas vehicle standards for passenger vehicles, light trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles. All new model year 2010 and subsequent model year cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles in the state were required to have a label from the manufacturer detailing that the vehicle meets greenhouse gas emissions standards.[76][77] In 2007, under then-Governor Christine Gregoire (D), Oregon joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), originally a group of seven states and four Canadian provinces (as of 2016, California was the only U.S. state that remained in the WCI). The WCI had agreed to design and implement voluntarily a cap-and-trade system. Under this system, emissions would be capped at a certain level, and states would be able to "trade" the unused portion of their emissions allowance to other states. Oregon ultimately withdrew from the WCI under Gregoire in 2011, along with Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah.[78] | ||
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West Virginia | |
| As of March 2016, West Virginia was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
 |
Wisconsin | |
| As of March 2016, Wisconsin was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles.
Wisconsin was a member of the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a regional agreement among six states and one Canadian premier to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The accord first began in 2007 and also included governors from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota, including then-Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle (D). The accord's goal was to design a cap-and-trade system in which a regional emissions target would be set, with states participating by setting their own specific targets. The program's design was completed in 2010, and although the accord had not been formally dissolved as of March 2016, the member states involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office (Doyle left office in 2011 after two terms as governor).[40][41] | ||
 |
Wyoming | |
| As of March 2016, Wyoming was one of the 45 states that did not mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the state level and one of the 38 states that did not impose mandatory greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles. | ||
Climate agreements
Voluntary climate agreements among states have included the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), which began in 2007, the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Accord (MRGGRA), which began in 2007, and a coalition of Northeastern states called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which began in 2003.
By 2012, 15 states total had left the agreement they previously joined, while nine states remained in their agreements. The MRGGRA, in particular, has not been officially dissolved, but no states involved adopted its greenhouse gas program and every governor that had signed the accord in 2007 had either left or was voted out of office.
California remains the only U.S. state remaining in the Western Climate Initiative.
The table below shows the states and their relationship to a voluntary regional agreement with other states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
| States in regional compacts on climate change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Regional pact | In effect | Year begun | Year ended | Governor's party when enacted | Legislature's party when enacted | Governor's party when ended | Legislature's party when ended | ||
| Washington | WCI | No | 2007 | 2011 | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | ||
| Illinois | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2009 | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | ||
| Indiana | MRGGRA‡ | Observer | 2007 | 2013 | Republican | Split | Republican | Republican | ||
| Iowa | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2010 | Democrat | Democrat | Republican | Split | ||
| Kansas | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2009 | Democrat | Republican | Democrat | Republican | ||
| Michigan | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2011 | Democrat | Split | Republican | Republican | ||
| Minnesota | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2011 | Republican | Democrat | Democrat | Republican | ||
| Wisconsin | MRGGRA‡ | No | 2007 | 2011 | Democrat | Split | Republican | Republican | ||
| Alaska | WCI | Observer | 2007 | N/A | Republican | Republican | -- | -- | ||
| Connecticut | RGGI | Yes | 2008 | -- | Republican | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Delaware | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Democrat | Split | -- | -- | ||
| Maine | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | -- | ||
| Maryland | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Republican | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Massachusetts | RGGI | Yes | 2008 | -- | Democrat | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| New Hampshire | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Democrat | Republican | -- | -- | ||
| New Jersey | RGGI | No | 2005 | 2011 | Democrat | Democrat | Republican | Democrat | ||
| New York | RGGI | Yes | 2009 | -- | Democrat | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Rhode Island | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Republican | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Vermont | RGGI | Yes | 2005 | -- | Republican | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Arizona | WCI | No | 2006 | 2011 | Democrat | Republican | Republican | Republican | ||
| California | WCI | Yes | 2007 | -- | Republican | Democrat | -- | -- | ||
| Montana | WCI | No | 2007 | 2011 | Democrat | Split | Democrat | Republican | ||
| Nevada | WCI | No | 2007 | 2011 | Republican | Split | Republican | Democrat | ||
| New Mexico | WCI | No | 2006 | 2011 | Democrat | Democrat | Republican | Democrat | ||
| Oregon | WCI | No | 2007 | 2011 | Democrat | Democrat | Democrat | Split | ||
| Utah | WCI | No | 2007 | 2011 | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | ||
| Source: Click each state's name for sources and more in-depth information. Information about political party control in each state is available from Ballotpedia here. ‡ As of March 2016, the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord (MRGGRA) had not been formally dissolved, but the original member states and the one observer state involved never adopted the cap-and-trade system, and each governor that first participated in the accord had left or was voted out of office. These states were counted as effectively having left the agreement. | ||||||||||
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms State governments climate change. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
- State government information
- Climate change information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Center for Climate and Energy Solutions - U.S. State and Region information
Footnotes
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Climate Change 101: State Action," January 2011
- ↑ NASA, "What Are Climate and Climate Change?" October 26, 2011
- ↑ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "Definitions of climate change," accessed March 10, 2016
- ↑ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate change glossary," accessed February 1, 2015
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate Change: Basic Information," accessed January 21, 2015
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets (as of May 2013)," May 20, 2013
- ↑ Maryland Department of the Environment, "States Adopting California's Clean Cars Standards," accessed December 1, 2015
- ↑ Alaska Office of the Governor, "Administrative Order No. 238," September 14th, 2007
- ↑ State of Alaska, "Alaska’s Climate Change Strategy: Addressing Impacts in Alaska," January 2010
- ↑ State of Alaska, "Alaska Climate Change Strategy Mitigation Advisory Group Executive Summary," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ State Library of Arizona, "Executive Order 2006-13: Climate Change Action," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Institute for Energy Research, "Arizona," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Clean Cars Campaign, "State Action," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ State Library of Arizona, "Executive Order 2010-06," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Arizona Republic, "Arizona quits Western climate endeavor," February 11, 2010
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Arkansas Governor's Commission on Global Warming Releases Final Report," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ California State Government, "Highlights of the California Climate Change Program," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 California Air Resources Board, "Climate Change Emissions Standards for Vehicles," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 California Air Resources Board, "Clean Car Standards - Pavley, Assembly Bill 1493," May 6, 2013
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 California Air Resources Board, "Advanced Clean Cars Summary," accessed August 19, 2015
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Federal Vehicle Standards," accessed August 19, 2015
- ↑ Fox News, "Cow farts can now be regulated in California," September 20, 2016
- ↑ CBS News, "California law targets greenhouse gases from cows, landfills," September 19, 2016
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Colorado Emissions Targets," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, "Colorado Greenhouse Gas Inventory—2014," October 2, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, "Section 22a-174-36b. Low Emission Vehicle II Program," accessed August 14, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Florida Governor Signs Energy and Climate Change Bill," accessed August 11, 2015
- ↑ The Tampa Tribune, "Scott signs Florida cap and trade law repeal," April 7, 2012
- ↑ Washington Post, "Fla. official says he was punished for using ‘climate change’ in report," March 20, 2015
- ↑ Tallahassee Democrat, "Update: DEP worker sent home after sharing climate-change views," March 20, 2015
- ↑ National Journal, "Kerry Hits Back at Florida’s ‘Climate Change’ Ban," March 12, 2015
- ↑ Florida Center for Investigative Report, "In Florida, Officials Ban Term 'Climate Change,'" March 8, 2015
- ↑ Hawaii Department of Health, "Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Program," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "H.B. 226 (2007)," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Hawaii Department of Health, "Annual fees for covered and non-covered source permits," accessed August 18, 2015
- ↑ Illinois Governor's Office, "Gov. Blagojevich sets goal to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Illinois," February 7, 2007
- ↑ 40.00 40.01 40.02 40.03 40.04 40.05 40.06 40.07 40.08 40.09 40.10 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 Midwestern Energy News, "Midwest cap and trade: Not dead, just sleeping," March 3, 2011
- ↑ Maine Department of Environmental Protection, "Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Maine Department of Environmental Protection, "Chapter 127: New Motor Vehicle emissions standards," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Maryland Department of the Environment, "Maryland Clean Cars Program," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Clean Cars Campaign, "Senate Bill 103 (Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007)," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, "Massachusetts’ Progress towards Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by 2020," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, "Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program," accessed August 12, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, "Meeting New Jersey's Greenhouse Gas Limits," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ New Jersey Governor's Office, "Video & Transcript: Governor Christie: New Jersey’s Future is Green," May 26, 2011
- ↑ New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, "NJ Clean Car Program / Low Emission Program," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ New Jersey State Legislature, "Public Law 3 (N.J. 2004), Chapter 266," August 13, 2015
- ↑ New Mexico Governor's Office, "Governor Bill Richardson Signs Historic Climate Change Executive Order," December 28, 2006
- ↑ New York Department of Environmental Conservation, "Climate Change," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ New York Department of Environmental Conservation, "Executive Order No. 24 (2009)," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ New York Department of Environmental Conservation, "6 NYCRR Part 218, Emissions Standards for automobiles & Motor Vehicle Engines," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ New York Department of Environmental Conservation, "Subpart 218-8: Greenhouse Gas Exhaust emissions standards," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Keep Oregon Cool, "Goals & Getting There," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, "Greenhouse Gas Reporting Home," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, "Oregon Low Emission Vehicle Regulations," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, "Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, "Climate Change and Rhode Island," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, "Home Page," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Vermont Air Pollution Control Division, "Mobile Sources," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Vermont Air Pollution Control Division, "Subchapter XI. Low Emission Vehicle Program," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Greenhouse gas emissions reductions — Reporting requirements," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Washington Department of Ecology, "Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Washington Governor's Office, "Inslee directing Ecology to develop regulatory cap on carbon emissions," July 28, 2015
- ↑ Utility Dive, "Washington state withdraws carbon regulation scheme following industry concern," March 1, 2016
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Department of ecology to adopt rules to implement California motor vehicle emissions standards," accessed August 14, 2015
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "New vehicle greenhouse gas emissions disclosure," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, "Multi-State Climate Initiatives," accessed August 10, 2015
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