A Breakdown of What Your State Can Do For Global Warming

State and local governments play an important role in meeting the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. They are participating in national voluntary programs and initiatives, analyzing the costs and benefits of actions and developing and applying innovative programs and strategies that achieve wide-ranging benefits to businesses, the environment and public health. EPA supports states and communities in these activities by encouraging voluntary approaches and providing technical assistance and tools.

Details on actions by states and efforts by local agencies to address climate change, along with links to relevant EPA voluntary programs that can help states and localities meet their goals. It also provides a directory of tools that can help state and local governments inventory their greenhouse gas emissions, analyze greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and quantify the energy, environmental and economic benefits of lowering greenhouse gases. More information on the role of state and local governments can be found below:

State Actions
States are developing and implementing a range of programs and strategies that are cost-effectively reducing greenhouse gases, improving air quality, enhancing economic development and creating jobs. Learn more about the following steps that states are taking:

• State Action Plans: More than 25 U.S. states have completed, or are working on action plans that identify cost-effective options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration. This section of the site includes links to individual state action plans, details on how states develop their action plans and EPA guidance for states.
• State and Regional Climate Actions Table: These tables provide a summary of current state and regional climate initiatives.
• State Action Plans Database: This searchable database contains policy recommendations from the action plans of 21 states. Policies are classified by sector, category and policy.

Local Actions
Local governments across the United States are implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy actions that can have multiple benefits including saving money, creating jobs, promoting sustainable growth and reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. This section includes suggestions for activities and links to resources that can help local governments reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.