July 23, 2008
Changes in the Earth's Climate Could Costs States
A new report puts a potential price tag on the possible effects of climate change for a dozen states.
NEW ORLEANS - While the debate rages on about how to protect the planet, the changing climate may threaten some states' economies.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Center for Integrative Environmental Research (CIER) at the University of Maryland have worked together to develop State Economic and Environmental Costs of Climate Change reports. The reports summarize the climatic changes affecting a range of states, the potential fiscal impact, and the affect of any future climate changes. The findings for Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and Ohio have been released during an Energy Conference at NCSL's Legislative Summit in New Orleans. Four additional state reports will be released in August.
"I am especially concerned about the potential adverse impacts that climate change is having on Colorado's water supplies and water quality, " said Colorado Rep. Randy Fischer. "Legislators have no more important a responsibility than to plan and prepare wisely to address these impacts. Good quality, state-specific information on which to base our policy decisions is more important than ever."
In Michigan, the levels in the Great Lakes have reportedly been dropping, which could affect the shipping industry by more than $142 million per year, according to the report. Nevada may see shrinking water supplies, which could cost the state billions of dollars due to population and development limits that may be required.
"State-focused information on the economic impacts of climate change is crucial to policymakers. Since many of the responses by policymakers will require resources, we need to be able to prioritize our plans so that the fiscal implications are minimized, " said Senator Tom Kean from New Jersey.
Taking the lead, states nationwide are implementing policies to address climate change and environmental sustainability. Six states enacted mandatory greenhouse gas reduction laws and 13 others set voluntary targets. Additionally, 26 states passed renewable energy portfolio standards and many are focusing on energy-efficiency policies as this is the most cost-effective approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The federal government is likely to enact climate legislation within the next few years. States that create energy policies now may be a step ahead when Congress passes its first greenhouse gas reduction law.
For a copy of the State Economic and Environmental Costs of Climate Change report, click here.
NCSL authors of the report will be available for media interviews on Wednesday, July 22, 2008 in the press conference room, 213 on the second floor of the Morial Convention Center from 9:30 am - 10:15 am.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
CIER addresses complex environmental challenges through research that explores the dynamic interactions among environmental, economic and social forces. Based at the University of Maryland, researchers work at local, regional, national and global scales developing strategies and tools to help guide policy and investment decisions.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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