Local Options on Global Stocks: How the States are affecting the U.S. Debate on Climate Policy

This paper examines some of the implications of local policy-making with regard to the global issue of climate change. First, we assess what one may expect when small open economies, such as states, implement policies designed to affect global pollutants. Next, we briefly analyze some of the legal constraints on state actions. We then catalog some of the specific technologies used in the states to address carbon emissions. Finally, we provide some analysis of how states might implement emission control policies in a way that compensates important interests for some of their increased costs without losing the benefits of efficient policy design.