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Legislative Initiatives


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Governors and state legislators play important roles in addressing climate change by responding to national policies as well as their constituents' concerns. Legislative Responses include bills, executive orders, joint resolutions, and memorials.

This site summarizes state legislation and public sector initiatives related to climate change or greenhouse gases. State legislatures are taking a variety of positions, some supporting immediate action to reduce emissions, others urging the federal government to forestall commitment to policies addressing climate change, and still others seeking positions in the middle.

To view state legislation and public sector initiatives, click on a state shaded green in the map below or select a state from the drop-down menu below the map. The summary was updated in July 2002.

State Legislative Initiatives


State Resolutions and Legislation

Alabama Exit EPA

  • House Bill 465. SIGNED (1998): Prohibits promulgation of state regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions prior to ratification of Kyoto Protocol by US Senate and enactment of implementing legislation by US Congress.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 23. SIGNED (1998): Urges President Clinton not to sign the Kyoto climate change protocol.

    Alaska Exit EPA

  • House Joint Resolution 33. PASSED HOUSE, REFERRED IN SENATE, NOT CARRIED OVER (April, 1999): Urges the United States Senate to decline to ratify the treaty from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in December 1997 at Kyoto, Japan.

    Arizona Exit EPA

  • House Memorial 2001. PASSED HOUSE (April 13, 1998): Urges the Senate of the US to not ratify the Kyoto treaty adopted by the United Nations framework convention on climate change under its present terms and enact Legislation prohibiting the adoption of an executive order or regulation attempting to make effective any provision of the treaty.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 2022. HELD IN SENATE (April, 1999): Expresses the opposition to the implementation of any legally enforceable commitments by Arizona regarding the Kyoto Protocol before its ratification by the United States Senate. Requests the director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to not propose any new regulations intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases under the Kyoto Protocol. Requests that the director of ADEQ not submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or any other federal government agency any legally enforceable commitments related to the reduction of greenhouse gases, as defined by the Kyoto protocol, until the Kyoto Protocol is ratified by the United States Senate.

    California Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 20. CHAPTERED BY SECRETARY OF STATE (September 26, 2002). Memorializes the President of the United States to take proactive steps to curb greenhouse emissions and urges the President to sign the Kyoto Global Warming Agreement of 1997.
  • Senate Bill 812. PASSED THE SENATE (January 30, 2002). Requires the California Climate Action Registry to provide referrals to approved providers for advice on incorporating conservation and best management practices for nature forest reservoirs as a mechanism to assist participants in the attainment of greenhouse emissions reduction goals and the reporting of emissions results. Requires the registry to adopt procedures and protocols in order for participants to include certain emission results. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_812&sess=CUR&house=B&author=sher Exit EPA
  • Assembly Bill 1493. ENROLLED (July 11, 2002). Requires the Air Resources Board to develop and adopt regulations by 2005 that achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of carbon dioxide emitted by passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and other non-commercial vehicles. The regulations would not take effect until 2006, and may apply only to model-year 2009. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/01-02/bill/asm/ab_1451-1500/ab_1493_bill_20020701_enrolled.html Exit EPA
  • Senate Bill 1771. CHAPTERED BY SECRETARY OF STATE (September 30, 2000): Requires the Secretary of the Resources Agency to establish a nonprofit public benefit corporation, to be known as the "California Climate Action Registry," for the purpose of administering a voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions registry. The registry would record and register voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions made by California entities after 1990. Also establishes emissions baselines against which any future federal greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements may be applied.
  • Senate Bill 1253. VETOED (October 9, 1999): Requires any state agency with jurisdiction over matters affecting climate change to update greenhouse gas emissions inventory by January 1, 2001.
  • Senate Bill 1941. http://www.sen.ca.gov/~newsen/senate.htm Exit EPA . VETOED (September, 1998): Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and development Commission in consultation with the State Air Resources Board to establish an inventory of the (state) sources of greenhouse gas emissions and to advise state, regional, and local agencies on cost-effective technologically feasible methods to reduce the production of greenhouse gases from sources in California.
  • Assembly Bill 2727. INTRODUCED & NOT HEARD (April 20,1998): Requires the State Air resources board by regulation to adopt standards for greenhouse gas emissions for all fuels by December 31, 1999.

    Colorado Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 23. SENATE CONCURRED IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS (May 4, 1998): Disapproves of the Kyoto Protocol

    Connecticut Exit EPA (Summary of 1990 Public Acts, Connecticut General Assembly, Office of Legislative Research.)

  • Public Act 90-219, HB 5696 (1990): Connecticut passed the first state global warming law to require specific actions for reducing CO2. The Act establishes a broad range of energy conservation measures, including revisions to the building code to maximize energy efficiency and requirements that the state purchase energy efficient appliances and vehicles. The Act also establishes goals for improving public transportation and requires the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission (CPTC) to monitor progress in achieving them. The Act allows the Environmental Protection Commissioner, in connection with air discharge permits, to require trees or grass to be planted to offset carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. The Act also reduces the ability of municipalities to provide tax abatement for multilevel parking garages.

    Delaware Exit EPA

  • House Resolution 49. PASSED HOUSE (January 29,1998): Calls upon the President of the United States not to sign the Kyoto Protocol, nor to submit same for ratification to the United State Senate, until and unless the Protocol is amended or otherwise revised, consistent with United States Senate Resolution No. 98, to include specific scheduled commitments for developing countries to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions within the same compliance period(s) as required for developed countries.

    Florida Exit EPA

  • Senate Measure 2032 FAILED (May 1, 1998): Memorial(s) to the President and the US Senate, urging that the Kyoto Protocol be amended to ensure the equitable treatment of developing countries and developed countries regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The memorial also urged the President not to sign the Kyoto Protocol nor submit it for ratification to the United States Senate until the protocol is amended consistent with United States Senate Resolution No. 98, to include specific scheduled commitments for developing countries to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions within the same compliance period as required for developed countries.

    Georgia Exit EPA

  • Senate Resolution 230. READ 3rd TIME & COMMITTED, REGULAR SESSION ADJOURNED, NO CARRYOVER (May 15, 2000): A resolution urging the United States Senate and the President of the United States to reject the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.
  • House Resolution 441. NOT CARRIED OVER (May 15, 2000): A Resolution opposing the Kyoto Protocol; resolving that the state will not consider either a regulatory, statutory, or policy proposal that calls for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions before Senate ratification of protocol, that the state will consider alternative voluntary proposals to the Kyoto Protocol that reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the economic security and well-being of this state or the United States; and (that) This state will consider constructive national and international strategies to protect the environment when they apply to all nations, are based on sound science, and are compatible with economic growth and opportunity.

    Hawaii Exit EPA

    2001 Resolutions:

  • House Concurrent Resolution 64. ADOPTED (April 25, 2001): Requests the United States Congress enact stronger energy policies that will improve energy efficiency, develop and encourage renewable energy, reduce gasoline consumption for transportation, and switch from fossil fuels to alternative fuels.
  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 158. INTRODUCED & REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (March 28, 2001): Supports research and other efforts to counter global warming.

    2000 Legislation:
  • House Bill 1893 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2000/bills/hb1893_.htm Exit EPA size 4836 bytes: SIGNED (June 7, 2000): Supports mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • House Bill 2428 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2000/status/hb2428_his_.htm Exit EPA & Senate Bill 2769 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2000/bills/sb2769_.htm Exit EPA size 5370 bytes . PASSED HOUSE (March 28, 2000); Adds a new objective to the State's energy facility system planning objectives concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Senate Bill 1253 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb1253_.htm Exit EPA size 8606 bytes. CARRIED OVER (January, 2000): Allows the director to set and collect fees for the actual mitigation of greenhouse gases released by the permittee. Allows those fees to be spent by creating carbon sinks through carbon- offset forestry projects, and establishing a system to trade carbon credits
    1999 Legislation or Resolutions:
  • House Resolution 230 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/hr230_.htm Exit EPA , House Concurrent Resolution 261, Senate Resolution 88, & Senate Concurrent Resolution 202 HI State Legislature Archive Search, 2/4/00; . SIGNED (1999): House Resolution, House Concurrent Resolution, Senate Resolution, and Senate Concurrent Resolution Requesting the convening of a meeting to consider means to attract carbon investments to mitigate global warming through sustainable forestry in Hawaii.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 123 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/hcr123_.htm Exit EPA , House Resolution 110 HI State Legislature Archive Search,2/4/00; . SIGNED (1999): House Concurrent Resolution & House resolution requesting the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to examine the feasibility of growing industrial hemp in Hawaii for Biomass Energy production … minimizing global warming impacts
  • House Concurrent Resolution 29 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/hcr29_.htm Exit EPA & Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/scr12_.htm Exit EPA HI State Legislature Archive Search, 2/4/00; . REFERRED (1999): House Concurrent resolution urging the state of Hawaii top Participate in the Million Solar Roofs Initiative… Whereas a goal of this initiative is the reduction of greenhouse gases and other emissions using clean energy from the sun.
    1998 Legislation or Resolutions:
  • House Concurrent Resolution 77. INTRODUCED & REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (April 20, 1998): Affirms support to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Hawaii. Develops the Hawaii Climate Change Action Plan that will identify and recommend ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 81. INTRODUCED & RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (April 20, 1998): Calls for the Senate to support the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Senate Resolution 88 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 185. INTRODUCED & RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEES (April 1, 1998): Requests the President, Congress, and the Governor to take steps to save consumers money through promotion of alternative energy measures that reduce global warming.
  • House Bill 3411. INTRODUCED & REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (February 20, 1998): Allows monies in the clean air special fund … to be used for global warming tree planting programs and other air pollution grant programs allowed under S105 of the CAA.

    Idaho Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 1064. FAILED (March 16, 2001): A bill to create the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee to document and quantify reductions related to agricultural practices. The Committee shall assess agricultural and private forest lands in Idaho for past carbon sequestration and future carbon sequestration potential. The assessment shall seek to quantify carbon sequestration associated with various agricultural and forestry practices, management systems and land uses occurring on agricultural and forest lands within Idaho.
  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 132. SIGNED (March, 1999): Stating findings of the Legislature and charging the Director of the Department of Health and Welfare and the Administrator of the Division of Environmental Quality to refrain from commitments pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol.

    Illinois Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 372. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/status/920SB0372.html Exit EPA SIGNED (August 7, 2001). Requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to establish an interstate NOx trading program and issue findings that address the need to control or reduce emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating plants. The findings are to address the establishment of a banking system, consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy’s voluntary reporting system, for certifying credits for voluntary offsets of emissions of greenhouse gases, or reductions of greenhouse gases. Reduction efforts may include, but are not limited to, carbon sequestration, technology-based control measures, energy efficiency measures, and the use of renewable energy sources.
  • House Bill 842. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/status/920HB0842.html Exit EPA SIGNED (August 7, 2001). Carbon Sequestration Act. Creates the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee and establishes its membership and duties. By February 1, 2002, the Committee is to prepare a report with findings and recommendations for studying carbon sequestration, including various trading options and alternatives, and considering air quality and the preservation of agricultural resources.
  • Public Act 90-797 Illinois General Assembly Website, 2/4/00,http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/pubact90/acts/90-0797.html Exit EPA . SIGNED (December 15,1998): The Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998. Provides that the IL EPA and the Pollution Control Board can not propose or adopt any new rule intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Provides that in the absence of an Act of the General Assembly, the Director the IL EPA shall not submit any legally enforceable commitments related to the reduction of GHGs to the U.S. EPA or any other federal agency. The Act shall not limit or impede State or private participation in any on-going voluntary initiatives to reduce GHGs. The Act shall become inoperative upon ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 67. ADDOPTED IN THE SENATE, DID NOT COME OUT OF HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE (January 12, 1999): Urges the President not to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Urges the US Senate not to ratify the treaty. Requests that no federal or state agency take any action to initiate strategies to reduce greenhouses gases as required by the Kyoto protocol until it is revised. Urges that any action to mitigate emissions of GHGs be based on scientific facts and data.

    Indiana Exit EPA

  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 20. http://www.IN.gov/legislative Exit EPA PASSED (1998): Calls upon the President of the United States not to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and if submitted, calls for the Senate to reject it unless it is consistent with US Senate Resolution 98.

    Iowa Exit EPA

  • House Bill 246. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES (January, 2000): Provides that the environmental protection commissions and the department of natural resources shall refrain from adopting any new rules mandating the reduction of greenhouse gases until such time as the Kyoto Protocol is adopted by the United States. Also provides that state and private participation in voluntary emissions reductions is not prohibited.

    Kansas Exit EPA

  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 1619 http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/1998/1619.html Exit EPA . INTRODUCED but not carried over (June 24, 1998): Urges the US government not to sign or ratify the Kyoto Protocol unless it includes a specific commitment for developing countries to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

    Kentucky Exit EPA

  • NCSL 2002 State Air Quality Legislation Summaries: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/environ/air/airleg02.htm#KY Exit EPA
  • Senate Bill 300. SIGNED (April 9, 1998): Prohibits the promulgation of regulations or permit conditions to limit the emission of greenhouse gases pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol for the purpose of reducing global warming until authorized by the General Assembly or by federal statute. This law specifically allows participation in voluntary initiatives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

    Maine Exit EPA

  • Legislative Document 87. House Bill 78. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR (April 6, 2001): Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to create a voluntary registry of greenhouse gas emissions. The registry must provide for the collection of data on the origin of the carbon emissions as either fossil fuel or renewable resources and the collection of data on production activity to allow the tracking of future emission trends.
  • Public Law 1997, Ch. 316. SIGNED (February 23, 1999): Establishes customer information disclosure requirements for electricity providers. The legislation, passed as part of a broader electricity restructuring package, requires a disclosure label showing electricity customers information on the price, resource mix and emissions in a uniform format. The provisional rule requires the disclosure of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The provision specifies that for each of the three emission categories, the emission rate of the resource portfolio will be compared to New England regional average emission.
  • Legislative Document 712. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (January, 1999): Establishes a task force to investigate the impact on state agencies of unratified international treaties such as the conventions on climate change and biodiversity.
  • Legislative Document 1429. SIGNED (May 18, 2001): Establishes a State Climatologist who must develop a statewide environmental monitoring network to detect changes in key environmental conditions related to climate. This person must also work to increase public awareness and to investigate the statewide impacts of climate change. http://janus.state.me.us/legis/bills/LD.asp?LD=1429 Exit EPA

    Maryland Exit EPA

  • Executive Order 01.01.2001.02. http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/EO-0101200102.pdf Exit EPA Sustaining Maryland's Future with Clean Power. SIGNED (March 13, 2001): Directs the Maryland Green Building Council to develop a comprehensive set of initiatives known as the "Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan”. The order also sets goals for energy generated from renewable sources, energy efficiency in state buildings and purchased products, waste diversion or recycling and alternative fuel vehicles.
  • Senate Bill 248 http://mlis.state.md.us/2000rs/billfile/sb0248.htm Exit EPA . WITHDRAWN (March 30, 2000): Requiring the Department of the Environment to establish and administer a registry of voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; requiring the Department to adopt regulations; and requiring the Department to conduct a study on whether to establish a particulate matter registry.
  • House Bill 334. IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS COMMITTEE (January 25, 2002): A study and report on sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those emitting carbon dioxide. It will also assess what is currently being done to regulate emissions and will examine further regulatory action. Action will include a legislative proposal, for the of a mandatory State registry that would quantify current emissions, track and document reductions, and coordinate reduction credits and trades. http://mlis.state.md.us/2002rs/billfile/hb0334.htm Exit EPA
  • House Bill 1066. IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS COMMITTEE (February 8, 2002): Establishes a task force to study the environmental and economic impact of climate change in Maryland. The task force shall develop, in coordination with the Department of the Environment, a 2002 greenhouse gas inventory, and evaluate current greenhouse gas mitigation projects and programs. http://mlis.state.md.us/2002rs/billfile/hb1066.htm Exit EPA
  • House Joint Resolution 23. ASSIGNED TO RULES COMMITTEE (February 1999): Urges US Senate to withhold consent from Kyoto Protocol unless developing countries commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Massachusetts Exit EPA

  • DEP Regulation 310 CMR 7.29. RULE ISSUED (APRIL 23, 2001). Requires the six highest-polluting power plants in Massachusetts to meet overall emission limits for NOx (1.5 lbs/MWh) and SO2 (3.0 lbs./MWh) by October 1, 2004 and begin immediate monitoring and reporting of mercury emissions. For the six affected plants, the rule caps total CO2 emissions and creates an emission standard of 1,800 lbs. of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour (a reduction of 10% below the current average CO2 emissions rate). The CO2 limits must be met by October 1, 2006 or October 1, 2008 for plant retrofit or replacement. Plant operators may meet the standard either by increasing efficiency at the plant, or by purchasing credits from other CO2 reduction programs approved by the DEP.
  • House Bill 4262. HOUSE REPORTED FROM ENERGY COMMITTEE (April 15, 1999) : Authorizes the committee on Energy to make an investigation and study of certain House documents concerning electrically operated vehicles, the greenhouse effect, oil burners and energy consumption in new and existing buildings.
  • House Bill 221.MA General Court Website http://www.state.ma.us/legis/history/h00221.htm Exit EPA REFERRED TO ENERGY COMMITTEE (January 6, 1999); SENATE CONCURRED SJ 196A (January 6, 1999): Petition of Dennis M. Murphy for legislation to promote energy efficiency and to reduce the greenhouse effect.
  • Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. 220 CMR 11.00: Rules Governing The Restructuring Of The Electric Industry. ORDERED (February 20, 1998). Establishes customer information disclosure requirements for electricity providers. The legislation, passed as part of a broader electricity restructuring package, requires a disclosure label showing electricity customers information on the price, resource mix and emissions in a uniform format. The provisional rule requires the disclosure of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Electricity providers must show emissions as a percentage of the New England regional average emission rate and also compare to emissions from a new power unit (as determined in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection).

    Michigan Exit EPA

  • House Concurrent Resolution 70. http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=1997-HCR-0070&queryid=3868883&highlight Exit EPA PASSED (1997): Urges the President to reject any agreement on limiting greenhouse gas emissions that apply restrictions only to developed nations and exempts other nations.

    Minnesota Exit EPA

  • House File 2524 & Senate File 2332 (Bills) http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us Exit EPA . INTRODUCED & REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (February, 2000): By January 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, the commissioner of the pollution control agency shall inform the public about the estimated effects of climate change on the ecology of the various regions of the state. The commissioner shall base the information made available to the public on the best available information that the agency has and on the best available information from the University of Minnesota. The commissioner shall, at a minimum, make the information available to the public on the agency's World Wide Web site.
  • Division of Lands and Forestry Statute Section 88.82. (1999) Minnesota Releaf program is established in the Department of Natural Resources to encourage, promote, and fund the planting, maintenance, and improvement of trees in this state to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and promote energy conservation.
  • House File 949 & Senate File 1008. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (1995): A bill requiring, as part of the environmental review of proposed projects and activities, an analysis of the effect of the projects or activities on total carbon dioxide emissions in the state in order to minimize the burden on existing industry to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Status as of 4/20/99- Senate File substituted for House File and indefinitely postponed.
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. January 3, 1997. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted to accept a .30 - 3.10 $/ton (1995 dollars) of CO2 valuation for the global warming impacts/costs of carbon emissions from utility power plants. They did so on the basis of a damage-cost assessment conducted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – the first time in the country that economic valuation techniques have been used to establish damage costs from CO2 emissions in a contested case. The values shall be updated using the Gross National Product Price Deflator Index as data becomes available from that index (Rule E-999/CI-00-1636, May 3, 2001).

    Mississippi Exit EPA

    Missouri Exit EPA

  • House Concurrent Resolution 14 http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills98/bills98/hcr14.htm Exit EPA . PROPOSED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (March 2, 1998): Opposes ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Bill currently not on calendar.

    Nebraska Exit EPA

  • Legislative Bill 957. http://srvwww.unicam.state.ne.us/XCVI/final/FINAL_LB957_1.pdf (PDF, 28 KB) Exit EPA (April 10, 2000): A bill to create the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee to document and quantify reductions related to agricultural practices; to provide duties; and to create the Carbon Sequestration Assessment Cash Fund.

    Nevada Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 14. http://www.leg.state.nv.us/70th/bills/sjr/sjr14.html Exit EPA REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (March, 1999): Urges United States Senate to refrain from ratifying Kyoto Protocol to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

    New Hampshire Exit EPA

  • NCSL 2002 State Air Quality Legislation Summaries: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/environ/air/airleg02.htm#NH Exit EPA
  • House Bill 284. PASSED THE SENATE, SENT TO THE HOUSE (January 2, 2002): Establishes caps for emissions of sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, mercury, and carbon dioxide by existing fossil fuel burning steam electric power plants. This bill permits the banking and trading of emissions reductions to achieve compliance with the caps. Sets goal of reducing CO2 emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by 2007.
  • Senate Bill 159. SIGNED (1999): Establishes a registry for voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions to create an incentive for voluntary emission reductions. Requires the Department of Environmental Services to study the potential for a similar registry for particulate matter.

    New Jersey Exit EPA

  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Emissions Statements, Operating Permits, Civil and Administrative Penalties. TAKING COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARINGS (March 8, 2002): New Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:27-21-21.1 through 21.10; N.J.A.C. 7:27-22.1, and 22.31; and N.J.A.C. 7:27A-3.2 and 3.10). These amendments would enhance New Jersey's stationary source emissions inventory primarily by requiring the reporting of emissions of additional air contaminants. Emitting facilities will be classified as either high or low emitters and they will be required to report different contaminants. Higher emitting facilities to report emissions of two greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), beginning with the 2002 Emission Statements. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/aqm/curformp.htm Exit EPA
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. ADOPTED (April 17, 2000) New Rules (N.J.A.C 7:27-30.2 and 30.5). Adds new provisions to the Open Market Emissions Trading Rule for the generation and banking of greenhouse gas (GHG) credits. Greenhouse gases included in the rule are: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4 ); nitrous oxide (N2O); certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), certain perfluorocarbons (PFC); and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
  • Administrative Order 1998-09 (March, 1998). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Sets a voluntary goal to reduce New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5% below 1990 prior to 2005.

    New Mexico Exit EPA

  • House Joint Memorial 431. REFERRED (1999): Urging the Senate of the United States to not ratify the treaty from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in December 1997 at Kyoto, Japan.
  • House Memorial 30. FAILED (1999): Requesting Congress to commit to reductions of greenhouse gas pollution and to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Senate Memorial 11. FAILED (1998): Urges the US Congress to prevent the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol unless developing nations commit to limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

    New York Exit EPA

  • Assembly Bill 5577. PASSED ASSEMBLY, RECALLED TO ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES (January 30, 2002). Provides for regulation of emissions of Nitrogen Oxide, Sulfur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from electric generators of 15 MW capacity or larger. Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations implementing reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide by January 1st, 2002. Requires the DEC to establish a cap on total emissions of CO2, equivalent to 1990 emission levels, by January 1st, 2007.
  • Assembly Bill 6991. REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS (February 5, 2002). Directs the superintendent to create a working group to conduct an insurance risk assessment of the potential consequences of climate change for New York in terms of financial losses from climate change related health, property and liability insurance losses.
  • Senate Bill 4790. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (April 17, 2001): The New York State Global Climate Change Reduction Act". This bill declares the greenhouse effect to be a serious problem and calls for reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases. It establishes a global climate change coordinating council and scientific and technical advisory committees to advise the coordination council on the latest scientific and technical research related to global climate change. The coordinating council would prepare a report to the legislature and governor recommending appropriate actions New York should take to reduce greenhouse gases by twenty-five percent of 1994 emissions level by 2009, and by fifty percent of 1994 emissions level by 2034.

    North Carolina Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 1078 and House Bill 1015. http://www.ncleg.net/ Exit EPA PASSED SENATE (April 23, 2001): Requires reductions in the emissions of certain pollutants from large-scale coal-fired generating units owned by investor-owned public utilities. The bill establishes collective emission caps for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide, as well as a timetable for meeting these standards. The bill also directs the Division of Air Quality to study issues related to setting standards for carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired generating units and other stationary sources of air pollution.

    North Dakota Exit EPA

  • Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4043. PASSED (March 19, 2001): Directs the Legislative Council to study the feasibility and desirability of promoting carbon sequestration programs in North Dakota. The Legislative Council shall report its findings to the legislature, together with any legislation to implement the recommendations, in the 58th Legislative Assembly session.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 3004. http://www.state.nd.us/lr/assembly/57-2001/bill-text/BGEO0200.pdf (PDF, 8 KB) Exit EPA PASSED (February 2, 2000): Urges the Congress of the United States not to implement or allow implementation of the Kyoto Protocol because of the potentially disastrous impact on American agriculture.

    Ohio Exit EPA

  • House Concurrent Resolution 27. INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (June 7, 2001): Memorializes the US Senate not to ratify the treaty agreed to in Kyoto, Japan that would require the US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 23. INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (May 12, 1998): Memorializes the US Senate to reject ratification of the treaty agreed to in Kyoto, Japan that would require the US to meet set targets to control greenhouse gas emissions and memorializes the President of the US not to sign any instrument of ratification related to that treaty.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 26. PASSED (June 26, 1997): Memorializes the US Senate to reject ratification of any international treaty that would require the US to meet set targets to control GHGs.

    Oklahoma Exit EPA

  • NCSL 2002 State Air Quality Legislation Summaries: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/environ/air/airleg02.htm Exit EPA
  • House Bill 1192: SIGNED (April, 2001): A bill to create the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee to document and quantify reductions related to agricultural practices; to provide duties; and to create the Carbon Sequestration Assessment Cash Fund.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 6. SIGNED (April 26, 1999): Restricts the legislative and executive branches from implementing global warming preventative measures until the United States Senate has ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Does not impede states or private participation in voluntary initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.

    Oregon Exit EPA

  • House Bill 2200. SIGNED (July 6, 2001): Allows State Forester to establish program for creating forestry carbon offsets. Allows trading of forestry carbon offsets for carbon dioxide emissions. Defines forestry carbon offset. Authorizes State Forester to market, register, transfer or sell offsets on behalf of state forestlands, nonfederal landowners and Forest Resource Trust.
  • House Bill 3541. VETOED (July 24,1999): Directs Office of Energy to study and report on actions taken in collaboration with private business to offset, mitigate or directly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • House Bill 3283. http://www.leg.state.or.us/97reg/measures/hb3200.dir/hb3283.en.html Exit EPA SIGNED (June 26, 1997): Siting legislation that establishes a CO2 standard requiring new utilities to emit 17% less than most energy efficient plant available. The bill capped CO2 emissions at 0.7 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour for base-load natural gas-fired power plants; in 1999 the cap was lowered to 0.675 pounds per kilowatt-hour. Energy facilities may meet the standard by implementing projects directly, or paying a per-ton of CO2 offset equal to $0.57 per ton into a Climate Trust which purchases offsets.

    Pennsylvania Exit EPA

  • House Resolution 200. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (April 23, 2001): Requires the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to prepare an inventory of greenhouse gas sinks and emissions and develop a strategy and timetable for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania. Within one year of adoption of the resolution, the DEP shall submit a report summarizing the likely environmental, economic and social impacts of global warming on Pennsylvania and emission reduction strategies.
  • House Resolution 343. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (1998): Urging the President of the United States not to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and urging the United States Senate not to ratify the Protocol unless it is amended to comply fully with United States Senate Resolution No. 98.
  • Senate Resolution 134. SIGNED (June 9, 1998): Memorializes the President and US Congress not to approve the Kyoto Protocol on Global Climate Change.
  • House Resolution 260, Senate Resolution 74, Senate Resolution 101. ADOPTED (1997): A resolution calling upon the President of the United States to avoid entering into any new climate treaty commitments pursuant to the Berlin Mandate that could adversely affect the United States; and calling upon the United States Senate to reject any proposed protocol or amendment not in compliance with Senate Resolution No. 98.
  • House Bill 1877. REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (August 20, 2001). Reduction of Greenhouse Emissions Coal Act. The Act would provide for credits and deductions for the use of recycled fly ash in concrete mixes. Fly ash is generated when coal is consumed and can be mixed with concrete to generate a stronger product. Greenhouse gas savings would be achieved by reducing the production of virgin concrete. http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2001/0/HB1877P2439.HTM Exit EPA
  • House Resolution 356. PASSED HOUSE (November 19, 2001): A resolution encouraging the development of green energy sources including wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, hydrothermal, geothermal and biomass systems, landfill gas and the combustion of municipal solid waste energy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania http://www.legis.state.pa.us/2001%5F0/hr0356p2885.htm Exit EPA

    Rhode Island Exit EPA

  • House Bill 7543. INTRODUCED AND REFERRRED TO FINANCE COMMITTEE (February 5, 2002): This act would create a new chapter directing the Department of Environmental Management to develop plans for fossil fuel and greenhouse gas reduction and would exempt from taxation certain alternative energy equipment. The bill requests state agencies to define a process to comply with the Kyoto Protocol and reduce greenhouse gases by 5.2% by 2012. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Billtext/BillText02/HouseText02/H7543.pdf Exit EPA
  • House Bill 5649. INTRODUCED AND REFERRRED TO JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY (February 6, 2001): Provides for a Rhode Island Climate Change Initiative to encourage private property owners to manage and maintain woodlands so as to maximize carbon sequestration in forests throughout the state. Assigns responsibility for monitoring public and private forest management projects to the state conservation committee.
  • House Bill 6899. PASSED HOUSE (June 27, 2000): Responds to Climate Change issue by encouraging private property owners to maintain woodlands for sufficient time so as to maximize atmospheric carbon conversion to biomass. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText00/HouseText00/H6899.htm Exit EPA

    South Carolina Exit EPA

  • House Bill 4761 and Senate Bill 1132. SIGNED (April 1, 1998): Memorializes the President of the United states not to sign the Kyoto Protocol or to submit the same for ratification to the US Senate unless the Protocol is amended or otherwise revised, consistent with the US Senate Resolution 98; includes specific scheduled commitments for developing countries to mitigate GHGs within the same compliance period.

    South Dakota Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 126. FAILED (January 19, 2000): Creates Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee to examine methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 1004 http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2000/HCR1004.htm Exit EPA . PASSED SENATE (February 14, 1998): Urges the US Senate to reject the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

    Tennessee Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 2844 & House Bill 2546 http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/101GA/bills/BillStatus/SB2844.htm Exit EPA http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/101GA/bills/BillStatus/HB2546.htm Exit EPA . SIGNED (May 24, 2000): "Biobased Products for Farmers and Rural development Act of 2000", whereby the Assembly finds that the development of bio-based products would … decrease greenhouse gas emissions… and provide greater consumer choices for power, fuel, and commercial products. The bill enables the commissioner of agriculture to promulgate rules and regulations to develop the bio-based product industry.
  • Senate Bill 2839 & House Bill 2550 http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/101GA/bills/BillStatus/SB2839.htm Exit EPA http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/101GA/bills/BillStatus/HB2550.htm Exit EPA . ASSIGNED TO SUBCOMMITTEE (March 15, 2000): Enacts the "Bio-based Products: Effects on Environment and Conservation Act of 2000". The Assembly finds that bio-based products reduce environmental emissions of harmful pollutants and decrease greenhouse gas emissions thus they create a competitive grants program for testing, researching, and creating guidelines for bio-based products

    Texas Exit EPA

  • Decision by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) regarding Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Monitoring. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. Docket No. 2000-0845-RUL http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/comm_exec/agendas/comm/marked/2000/000823.html Exit EPA (August 23, 2000). The Commissioners of the TNRCC instruct the Executive Director to conduct an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in Texas and establish a registry for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. By December 1, 2001, the TNRCC will prepare a report assessing the potential effects of global warming and surveys other states and the federal government to determine what specific actions are being taken to address global warming. The report will also estimate how much greenhouse gas emissions in Texas have been reduced by environmental regulations already in place and recommend strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Texas.
  • House Bill 3777 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/76R/billtext/HB03777I.HTM Exit EPA . REFERRED (1999): Calls for the Sunset Advisory Commission to examine: (1) the extent to which activities occurring in Texas contribute to global warming; (2) actions that can be taken in this state by governmental and private entities to minimize the contributions to global warming made by activities occurring in this state; and (3) the potential for creating jobs in this state relating to businesses, technologies, and efforts needed to reduce the contributions to global warming made by activities occurring in Texas. Calls for the commission to prepare a report of the examination.

    Utah Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 9. PASSED HOUSE (February 19, 1998): Urges on behalf of the Utah legislature, the President of the US not to sign the Kyoto Protocol on Global Climate Change, submit it to Congress for consideration, nor initiate strategies to mitigate GHGs until the protocol is amended to require developing countries to mitigate emissions within the same compliance period as developed countries; calls upon the Governor to “prohibit Utah state agencies from implementing any strategies to reduce greenhouse gases unless the United States ratifies any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

    Vermont Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 73. INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE. (May 30, 2001). http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2002/resolutn/JRS073.HTM Exit EPA Encourages citizens of Vermont, the state legislature, and US Congress to take all steps necessary to meet the emissions reductions expected of the United States by the countries that gathered at Kyoto. Urges the Governor and State Executive Branch to implement the Vermont Greenhouse Gas Action Plan, develop a process to internalize the costs of greenhouse gas creation in state government decision-making, and allocate adequate resources to identifying, discriminating among, and implementing appropriate measures to assure greenhouse gas reduction.
  • House Bill 736. VT Legislative Bill Tracking System http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/1998/bills/intro/H-736.HTM Exit EPA INTRODUCED but not carried over (May 18, 1998): Adopts the provisions of the energy plan and greenhouse gas action plan produced by the Department of Public Service; encourages the recovery of methane for electricity generation from farm manure; requires that all new vehicles offered for sale meet emissions standards set by the state of California.

    Virginia Exit EPA

  • Senate Joint Resolution 58. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?981+ful+SJ58ER Exit EPA SIGNED (1998): Memorializes Congress to prevent ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty that would impose on industrialized countries reductions in emissions of the gases thought to cause global warming until developing countries commit to limiting such emissions as well.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 339. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?991+ful+SJ339ER Exit EPA SIGNED (1999): Commending the Virginia Home Energy Rating Organization (HERO) for energy efficiency improvement ranges from 30 to 60 percent, resulting in a reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, an average of four tons of carbon dioxide annually (per house) have not been emitted into the atmosphere, a total savings of more than 72,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

    Washington Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 6744 & House Bill 2327. Introduced (January 31, 2002): Creates guidelines for charging energy utilities a greenhouse gas mitigation fee. The fee will be charged over ten years. At the end of that time the greenhouse emissions will be assessed and a new ten-year fee will be generated. http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/billinfo/dspBillSummary.cfm?billnumber=6744 Exit EPA
  • Senate Bill 5530. INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE. (January 25, 2001): Sets a goal of no net greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. Requires suppliers of transportation fuels and electricity generators to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions effective January 1, 2002. Establishes a nonprofit organization known as the Washington Climate Center to serve as a central clearinghouse for all climate activities in the state.
  • Senate Bill 5674. PASSED SENATE, RETURNED TO SENATE. (January 16, 2002): The state legislature authorizes the establishment of an independent, nonprofit organization known as the Washington climate center to serve as a central clearinghouse for all climate change activities in the state. The climate center’s activities include determining current and projected greenhouse gas emissions in the state, and studying and recommending the most cost-effective methods for reducing all net greenhouse gas emissions.
  • House Bill 5121. PASSED SENATE (January 21, 2000): Establishes a carbon storage program as an economic incentive to maintain long-term forest production.
  • House Bill 2518. INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (January 14, 2000): Creates the joint select committee on climate change to survey the current state of the science regarding global climate change and associated regional climate change. The committee will also identify steps that the public and private sectors may make to plan for, mitigate, or take advantage of the effects of climate change. It will identify policies in place in the state that either enhance or discourage economic development opportunities for Washington companies engaged in energy efficiency and renewable energy resource industries. The committee shall make recommendations on any policy changes needed to encourage these industries.
  • House Bill 1229. CARRIED OVER (July 9, 1999): Creates a legislative committee responsible for researching a state carbon sequestration implementation and certification program.
  • Senate Bill 6070. CARRIED OVER (April 25, 1999): The legislature finds that there is increasing evidence of climate disruption. Calls for the institute for public policy to conduct a study on the potential effects of global climate change on the Pacific Northwest region and Washington. A committee will be established to advise the institute for public policy. In conducting the study, the institute for public policy shall cooperate with education and government entities in the state that have expertise and understanding related to the effects of climate change on the region and the state.

    West Virginia Exit EPA

  • NCSL 2002 State Air Quality Legislation Summaries: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/environ/air/airleg02.htm#WV Exit EPA
  • House Bill 4228 SIGNED (April 1, 1998): Prohibits the state division of environmental protection from modifying any agency rule which implements the provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change treaty and its proposed reductions of limitations on GHGs. Prohibits the division of environmental protection from entering into any agreement with any federal agency relating to limiting the state’s GHG emissions.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 3. PASSED SENATE (January 20, 1998): Requests the President of the US not to sign the Kyoto protocol to the UN FCCC.

    Wisconsin Exit EPA

  • Senate Bill 287. SIGNED (February 8, 2000): Requires Department of Natural Resources to establish and operate a system for registering reductions in greenhouse gas emissions if they are made before required by law.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 32. INTRODUCED (April 25, 2001): A resolution stating opposition to actions by President George W. Bush against the environment. The focus is on issues relating to the Kyoto Protocol. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2001/data/SJR32hst.html Exit EPA

    Wyoming Exit EPA

  • House Bill 0047. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2001/introduced/hb0047.htm Exit EPA SIGNED (March, 2001). A bill to create the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee to document and quantify reductions related to agricultural practices; to provide duties; and to create the Carbon Sequestration Assessment Cash Fund.
  • House Bill 171 http://legisweb.state.wy.us/99sessin/engross/house/hb0171.htm Exit EPA Ibid . SIGNED (1999): Prohibits the promulgation of state regulations intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases prior to ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the United States Senate and enactment of implementing legislation by the United States Congress.

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