About U.S. States & Regions

States and regions across the country are adopting climate and clean energy policies. These actions include the development of regional greenhouse gas reduction markets, the creation of state and local climate action and adaptation plans, and increasing renewable energy generation. In addition to addressing climate change, states and regions pursue these policies to reduce their vulnerability to energy price spikes, promote state economic development, and improve local air quality. State and regional climate policy will provide models for future national efforts, achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

The State Solutions program at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions conducts research and disseminates information about state actions in an effort to bring effective state climate and clean energy solutions into the federal policy-making arena and facilitate cross-fertilization between state and federal policy makers. The program provides information to states on climate impacts and policy opportunities, fosters peer-to-peer learning among state officials, and advises on the development of state and regional initiatives by providing expert advice and detailed analysis. The State Solutions group has been intimately involved in the development and implementation of every state and regional initiative that deals with cap and trade design, and many other significant state and regional policies. These efforts have included serving as advisors on policy design for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the Northeastern U.S.; deep engagement with major initiatives in California and other Western states; and efforts in Florida, North Carolina, and several Midwestern states. Through its engagement with these state efforts, the Solutions program assists and draws lessons from their design questions and decisions.