Introduction

In today’s shifting energy and economic landscape, bipartisan support for climate and clean energy policy is more important than ever. State legislators are on the front lines of shaping climate and energy policy that directly impacts local economies, public health, and long-term resilience. Climate and clean energy initiatives offer the ability to address environmental concerns, create quality jobs, attract investment, and build a more reliable and resilient grid. Working across the aisle on climate and clean energy policy is a smart, strategic move that reflects both public will and long-term state interests.

Harnessing the benefits of the clean energy transition and addressing climate change is urgent, as the United States is already experiencing major climate impacts, including coastal destruction, extreme heat, lengthened and worsened hurricane seasons, and more.

As this briefing book details, politically diverse states are beginning to implement laws that promote cheaper, cleaner energy and address climate change. To keep this momentum progressing, politically diverse states can learn from previous successes from states with similar political contexts. There is no need to reinvent the wheel when tactics have already proven effective in neighboring or similar states. This briefing book seeks to provide a pool of successful climate and clean energy policies in states across the country and beyond for state legislators to reference as they are looking forward to next sessions. It was developed by NEC staff, who surveyed policies across the South and states in similar political and economic contexts for best practices and examples. Partner organizations in the South provided feedback and recommendations as well.

Contents of this Briefing Book

We cover nature-based solutions, transportation, just transition and clean energy workforce, buildings, grid regionalization and utility regulation, grid modernization, clean energy, and adaptation and coastal resilience. Each section includes a description of the policy, sample legislation from states, and resources. We also include detailed analysis of a key piece of omnibus legislation, including the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act. 

Politically diverse states are creating tens of thousands of new jobs in the clean energy and clean transportation sectors. Residents are seeing the co-benefits of climate action including lower energy bills, better air quality, and a higher quality of life. The urgency of the climate crisis demands the most ambitious actions from all of us; but climate policy is never a one-size-fits all solution. Solutions need to cater to specific political, economic, and cultural contexts. This briefing book provides a reference point for state legislators in the region of what’s worked well so far. We hope it is just the beginning.