Publication
Impacts and Adaptation Options in the Gulf Coast
Introduction The central and western U.S. Gulf Coast is increasingly vulnerable to a range of potential hazards associated with climate change. Hurricanes are high-profile hazards that threaten this region with strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge and high waves. Sea-level rise is a longer-term hazard …
Publication
Clean Energy Standards: State and Federal Policy Options and Implications
Executive Summary A transition from conventional fossil fueled electricity generation to clean energy offers several benefits—particularly the growth of new clean energy industries and associated jobs, diversification of energy supply, and reductions in the public health and environmental damages (especially …
Paper
Toward a Constructive Dialogue on Federal and State Roles in U.S. Climate Change Policy
In the United States to date, most of the first genuine steps toward addressing the challenge of climate change have taken place at the state level.1 Many states have proceeded in a meaningful, comprehensive fashion while the federal government struggles …
Publication
Designing A Cap-and-Trade Program for the Midwest
The Greenhouse Gas Accord announced by ten Midwestern governors in November 2007 involves nearly one fourth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in a regional agreement to improve energy security and design a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction program. Among the strategies …
Publication
Capturing the Emerging Market for Climate-Friendly Technologies: Opportunities for Ohio
Increasing certainty that humans are changing the earth’s climate through emissions of greenhouse gases is creating a new market for climate-friendly products and services. As states and nations begin to address climate change by regulating greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging …
Publication
Market Mechanisms for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions: Lessons for California
California is currently considering legislation that would establish state-wide caps on greenhouse gas emissions. This paper is based on extensive research by the Pew Center and others on the use of market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It begins …
Publication
Race to the Top: The Expanding Role of U.S. State Renewable Portfolio Standards
Since the release of our 2002 report on state-level climate activity, Greenhouse and Statehouse: The Evolving State Government Role in Climate Change, the pace of innovation and adoption has quickened. States are taking a broad range of actions that reduce …
Publication
Emissions Trading in the U.S.: Experience, Lessons, and Considerations for Greenhouse Gases
In recent years, emissions trading has become an important element of programs to control air pollution. Experience indicates that an emissions trading program, if designed and implemented effectively, can achieve environmental goals faster and at lower costs than traditional command-and-control …