State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Basic Information
Related Links
- Climate Change Home
- Climate Impacts
– Booklet explaining trends in the ecological consequences of climate change and examples of changes across the U.S. - Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science – Information on Earth's climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches for adapting and mitigating change.
- Regional Climate Centers (NOAA) – Climate information for individual U.S. cities and educational links related to weather and climate.
- U.S. Climate Change Technology Program – U.S. government initiatives to develop technology that fights climate change.
- U.S. Federal Climate Policy – Summaries of U.S. programs and policies to address climate change.
- World Resources Institute Climate Analysis Indicators Tool – Comprehensive compilation of charts, facts and figures about global climate change.
Programs and policies to mitigate climate change and advance clean energy—energy efficiency, renewable energy, and combined heat and power—can provide multiple benefits to state and local governments and their constituents. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these policies can:
- Increase energy security and reliability
- Reduce air pollution
- Promote economic development
- Improve public health and quality of life
State and local governments have an important role to play in advancing clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Governments can lead by example by implementing programs within their own buildings, operations, and procurement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy and money. They can also implement policies to increase clean energy and reduce greenhouse gases across numerous areas, such as:
State Government:
Local Government:
States and local governments have specific regulatory authority in numerous areas critical for mitigating greenhouse gases that cause climate change, including:
- Utility regulation
- Building codes development and enforcement
- Appliance efficiency standards
- Land use, zoning, and siting decisions
- Transportation policy
States and local governments have already begun to address climate change and promote clean energy through a variety of programs and policies. Visit the State Climate and Energy Program and Local Climate and Energy Program sections to learn more about:
- What state and local governments are doing to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change
- Steps for getting started with climate change and clean energy approaches
- Examples of successful state and local government initiatives