Full Title: Clean Air as a Bonus for Achieving Energy-Related State Goals: A Review of Policies and Programs in 15 States
Author(s): Lisa C Schwartz, Natalie Mims Frick, Grace Relf, Ted Light, Josh A Schellenberg, and Alan H Sanstad
Publisher(s): Berkeley Lab
Publication Date: January 20, 2025
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
This report explores connections between six common areas for state action on energy-related issues — resilience, economic development, energy affordability, electrifying transportation, grid modernization, and using local resources — and reducing air emissions. Although clean air often is not a driver for such state actions, they nonetheless reduce a variety of emissions, including particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. The study spans 15 geographically diverse states: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. While these states have not adopted mandatory climate goals, they conduct a wide range of energy-related activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants as a side benefit.