States
Climate Politics and Electoral Realignment
Some deep-seated dividing lines in U.S. politics seem to be eroding, with potential implications for climate policy.
The electorate is changing. Racial divisions are blurring, the GOP has gained a solid following among working class voters (especially whites), and college graduates and those with above median incomes have shifted to the Democrats. Among the many effects will be changes in the politics surrounding climate change. We will start to see an increased rate of success for advocates of climate actions in off-year and down-ballot races.
CONTINUE READINGMeeting information needs for water markets: Understanding water diversion and use
New CLEE report examines a prerequisite for fair and effective water markets
by Nell Green Nylen and Molly Bruce Water scarcity is a growing problem for agriculture and ecosystems across the U.S. Southwest. In many areas, unsustainable water use has overstretched local water supplies, and climate change is making these supplies more volatile. Water markets have the potential to enhance climate resilience by helping water users adapt …
CONTINUE READINGPresident-Elect Trump vs. California: What Lies Ahead?
Will It Be Environmental Law & Policy Deja Vu All Over Again? Or Even Worse?
Californians who care about the environment likely–and justifiably–feel whipsawed this week. Former President Trump (#45) has re-emerged as President-elect Trump (#47), interrupted by the intervening four years of the Biden-Harris presidential administration. (Actually, this presidential whipsaw has been going on for decades: think Bush Sr.-Clinton-Bush Jr.-Obama-Trump-Biden-Trump redux.) In general, California’s progressive environmental laws and policies …
Continue reading “President-Elect Trump vs. California: What Lies Ahead?”
CONTINUE READINGThe Morning After
Given Trump’s victory, what can be done to save the planet?
wice before in this century, enemies of environmental protection have taken the helm. After taking office, Bush embraced fossil fuels, opposed climate action, and weakened environmental regulations. Trump’s first term made Bush seem like a tree hugger, and his second term may be even worse. The strategies we’ve used in the past are still applicable, though circumstances have changed.
CONTINUE READINGClimate, Energy, and Environment on the Ballot
Ballot measures in Washington and California are especially important but others are worth noting.
The two biggest state initiatives are a $10 billion green bond proposal in California and a proposed rollback of Washington State’s new cap-and-trade program. The outcomes of these and other initiatives will provide a barometer of public sentiment on environmental issues.
CONTINUE READINGThe Election, Vehicle Emissions, and State Climate Plans
If the California car waiver survives a possible Trump presidency, we may have the overruling of Chevron to thank.
If one single thing about the election keeps state environmental regulators up at night, it’s how much a Trump victory would impact their ability to cut transportation emissions. As it turns out, Trump’s leverage would be reduced, ironically enough, because his conservative Supreme Court appointees helped overrule the Chevron doctrine. Trump can still cause a …
Continue reading “The Election, Vehicle Emissions, and State Climate Plans”
CONTINUE READINGTexas and California Are Not Opposites. Contrary to What You Might Think.
These two states are often portrayed as epitomizing two possible futures. But the differences are more nuanced than you think.
here’s a common idea that Texas and California represent two opposing poles of America. They’re admittedly very different places on many dimensions. But in some respects, they are surprisingly similar, and some differences aren’t as big as they seem.
CONTINUE READINGClimate Politics and Policy in Nebraska
In a divided nation, could the Cornhusker State turn out to hold the balance of power?
In what has turned out to be an interesting Senate race, Republican incumbent Deb Fischer is facing Independent Dan Osborn (I). Fischer has a lifetime score of 8% from the League of Conservation voters and hates EVs. Osborn seem pro-renewables. The outcome could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
CONTINUE READINGCalifornia’s Electric Car Culture
The state has been pushing EVs for over thirty years, with huge progress in the past five years.
California has been a leader in clean cars — the result of a long history of regulatory efforts. Here’s how we got where we are, and what will need to happen going forward.
CONTINUE READINGEnvironmental Bills at the 10-yard Line
Now that the legislative session has wrapped, the ball is in the Governor’s hands. Here are some of the environmental bills he could sign by September 30.
The California legislative session wrapped up on Saturday, August 31st at midnight, with legislators working until the clock struck twelve. As usual, it was an exciting night to watch. Unlike most years, there seemed to be more of a rush at the end to reach agreement on some of the major issue areas, as well …
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