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The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) held a briefing series on State Energy and Climate Actions.
On May 28, 2009, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) held a briefing about state actions on climate and energy, and how they can inform the current Congressional debate on climate policy. Over the past six years, more than 30 states have begun to address climate change, primarily through mitigation measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saving energy within their states. Some have considered adaptation measures to respond to impacts from climate change. More than 20 Governors have appointed Climate Commissions or Advisory Councils with broad representation to work through consensus approaches. This briefing featured representatives from states in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, who shared their experiences about garnering support in their states, and offered their perspectives on how the federal government and states can best coordinate actions to provide effective climate and energy policies.
On July 8, 2009, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) and the Office of Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) held a briefing about state climate actions related to agriculture, forestry and waste management, and how they can inform the current Congressional debate on energy and climate policy. States have developed a range of approaches for promoting bioenergy and biobased products as well as managing agriculture, forestry and other land use to enhance carbon sequestration and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these approaches are “win-win” solutions that simultaneously address employment/economic stimulus, energy security, climate mitigation and other environmental objectives while garnering broad consensus among diverse stakeholders. At this briefing, agriculture and forestry experts from the South and Midwest shared experiences about policy development and implementation in their states, and offered perspectives on how the federal government and states can best partner to implement effective policies.
On September 1, 2009, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) held a briefing about state actions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, industry and community land use. Energy efficiency offers the most cost effective approach for reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change. Many state governments are developing new energy efficient building codes and leading by example by improving the efficiency of their own buildings. Many utilities are providing incentives for the private sector to retrofit old buildings. Another key to reducing emissions is creating alternatives to passenger car travel by locating housing and commercial development near public transit and making communities safe and accessible for pedestrians. The following experts discussed the wide variety of policy measures states have implemented to improve energy efficiency in the built environment.
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