On the Wednesday afternoon after Election Day, I had the opportunity to teach my environmental studies course at Tulane University. As we discussed the election results and the potential impact on climate change and energy policy, I realized that there were many questions that I did not have the answers to. However, I was able to shift the focus of the lecture to a topic that I am well-versed in: state-level renewable energy policy.
The United States has a strong system of federalism, where state governments hold significant power in comparison to the national government. This has been both a blessing and a curse when it comes to transitioning to cleaner energy. But in this time of uncertainty, with the possibility of the Trump administration reversing the progress made by the Biden administration, we can find solace in the upside of U.S. climate and energy federalism.
States that have been actively working towards fighting climate change for years will continue to do so, regardless of the actions of the national government. For example, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an emergency special state legislative session to protect the state’s climate and clean energy laws from any potential unlawful actions by the incoming administration. Similarly, just a week after the election, Massachusetts passed comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation for the fourth consecutive legislative session.
But it’s not just liberal states that are taking a stand against the Trump administration’s potential actions on climate and clean energy. Even in Louisiana, a state known for its oil and gas production and environmental degradation, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to include offshore renewable energy in a revenue stream that directly benefits the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. This includes the potential for offshore wind in the Gulf, which could not only generate clean electricity but also much-needed revenue for the state.
Surprisingly, even Texas, a state known for its fossil fuel production and current political climate, leads the country in wind and solar energy production. What many people don’t realize is that Texas was one of the first states to adopt a renewable portfolio standards policy back in 1999, which played a significant role in its current status as a leader in onshore wind energy.
However, this is not to say that there won’t be challenges ahead, especially in states with conservative leadership. The positive developments mentioned above are just the beginning of a long journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. But with the determination and efforts of states and individuals alike, we can overcome these obstacles and continue to make progress towards a greener world.