This scorecard and report compares each state’s climate action policy progress with other states in the region. A total of 18 states in the northeast and midwest region are compared. The report compares each state’s commitment to climate action policy with others in the region, as well as to the broader United States. The report identifies which states are the leaders in pursuing and enacting climate policy, as well as states that are not as committed and need further engagement. Three of the 18 states – Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York – have perfect scores on the scorecard, indicating these states’ high level of commitment to climate change action.
The scorecard and ranking examine 10 specific criteria to measure each state’s commitment to climate change policy. These 10 indicators include whether the state has a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, a carbon pricing system, mandatory renewable portfolio standards, zero emission vehicle standards, an environmental justice agency, whether they are a part of the United States Climate Alliance, whether they have a climate action plan, whether they have a climate action task force, a green bank, and lastly, if they attempted to include some kind of climate change curriculum in their education systems.
In addition to the leading states, the report also discusses the shortcomings of states with little to no climate legislation, such as Ohio and Indiana. The report concludes with an observation of widespread trends, as well as a recommendation of next steps for the 18 states.
Both the scorecard and the report were researched and written by NEMWI intern Emily Cha, a student at Brown University.
To learn more about climate change policy action and the progress that northeastern and midwestern states have made on this important issue, read the full report here.