Washington, D.C. — State leadership on climate change is more important than ever as the country transitions to a Trump administration that is not supportive of climate progress, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.
“As federal officials look to take U.S. climate policy backward, state governments are poised to take ambitious action and continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Shannon Baker-Branstetter, senior director of Domestic Climate and Energy Policy at CAP and co-author of the report. “These policies will help further reduce energy costs, deliver good jobs, and promote healthier communities.”
The report identifies key policy advancements that are possible in a state-focused climate action race to the top. This is especially true if states adopt the best-in-class climate policy ideas of other states in the power, transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors, as well as crosscutting policies such as environmental justice and workforce development needed for a climate-ready workforce.
The report also identifies best-in-class policies for states to finance an equitable clean energy transition. It urges states to:
- Adopt and accelerate clean electricity standards
- Accelerate the zero-emission vehicle market and build-out of zero-emission transportation infrastructure
- Support clean and competitive U.S. manufacturing industries
- Reduce energy use and pollution from buildings
- Hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for pollution
- Prioritize equity and justice in climate policy
- Tie labor standards to clean economy investments
Read the report: “States Must Lead the Way on Climate” by Reema Bzeih, Sam Ricketts, and Shannon Baker-Branstetter
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].