I. Cooperative Federalism and Climate Change

The potential impacts of global warming and climate change are well documented in the international scientific literature. In the United States, James Hansen, a leading National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientist, warned that there is only a brief window of opportunity to meaningfully address this world crisis. From an international policy standpoint, it may be easy to point fingers at other countries and stall activity until others demonstrate movement. Further, the negotiation of traditional treaties, accords, and international diplomacy on these issues can take years to reach realization. Nationally, the federal government has only recently acknowledged the critical importance of more immediate action, and while much more must be done at the federal level, most state governments have not waited, and governors have made climate change mitigation strategies state priorities. What has been missing at the federal and state levels is recognition of the critically important role and responsibility that local governments have to play in addressing the root causes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the implementation of effective strategies.