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Climate policy conflict in the U.S. states: a critical review and way forward

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua A. Basseches

    (University of Michigan)

  • Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo

    (Christopher Newport University)

  • Maxwell T. Boykoff

    (University of Colorado)

  • Trevor Culhane

    (Brown University)

  • Galen Hall

    (Brown University)

  • Noel Healy

    (Salem State University)

  • David J. Hess

    (Vanderbilt University)

  • David Hsu

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Rachel M. Krause

    (University of Kansas)

  • Harland Prechel

    (Texas A&M University)

  • J. Timmons Roberts

    (Brown University)

  • Jennie C. Stephens

    (Northeastern University)

Abstract

Many U.S. states have taken significant action on climate change in recent years, demonstrating their commitment despite federal policy gridlock and rollbacks. Yet, there is still much we do not know about the agents, discourses, and strategies of those seeking to delay or obstruct state-level climate action. We first ask, what are the obstacles to strong and effective climate policy within U.S. states? We review the political structures and interest groups that slow action, and we examine emerging tensions between climate justice and the technocratic and/or market-oriented approaches traditionally taken by many mainstream environmental groups. Second, what are potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles? We suggest strategies for overcoming opposition to climate action that may advance more effective and inclusive state policy, focusing on political strategies, media framing, collaboration, and leveraging the efforts of ambitious local governments.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua A. Basseches & Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo & Maxwell T. Boykoff & Trevor Culhane & Galen Hall & Noel Healy & David J. Hess & David Hsu & Rachel M. Krause & Harland Prechel & J. Timmons Roberts & J, 2022. "Climate policy conflict in the U.S. states: a critical review and way forward," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 170(3), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:170:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-022-03319-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03319-w
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    3. Samuel Trachtman & Jonas Meckling, 2022. "The climate advocacy gap," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 172(3), pages 1-7, June.
    4. Lau, Chi Keung & Mahalik, Mantu Kumar & Rather, Kashif Nesar & Gozgor, Giray, 2023. "The impact of green quality of the energy consumption on carbon emissions in the United States," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 850-860.
    5. Ali Adil, 2024. "Differentiated grassroots: Navigating sustainability transitions in conservative political contexts," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(8), pages 1508-1525, June.
    6. Neal D. Woods & Jiyoon Kang & Morgan A. Lowder, 2023. "Do green policies produce green jobs?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(2), pages 153-167, March.

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