Variation in State-Level Climate Legislation Based on Political, Economic, and Environmental Factors

Variation in State-Level Climate Legislation Based on Political, Economic, and Environmental Factors

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Abstract. This research examines why different states in the United States have enacted different climate legislation through an assessment of state legislation, political climate, and environmental circumstances. The motivations for the presence and extent of climate-related legislation are explored by looking at factors such as extreme weather and natural resource dependence in the context of partisanship, region, and political affiliation. Climate change legislation varies widely across states—it is essential to understand why states respond differently to a problem that will have lasting impacts locally and worldwide if it’s not mitigated. Data have been collected from several sources, including federal agencies, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. The included variables are social, economic, and environmental. These variables are representative of societal facets impacted by global climate change. This research considers why states have different approaches and applications for addressing climate change through legislation.