Regional Actions: What States and Cities Can Do

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Cities and states have moved faster on climate than national governments — because the impacts are local and so are the solutions. Over the past decade, local governments have translated climate commitments into cleaner air, green jobs, and resilient infrastructure. Here's where regional action has the highest leverage.

 

Clean Electricity Standards State-level mandates requiring utilities to source 100% clean electricity by a target date are among the most effective policy tools available. Over 30 states have adopted some form of renewable portfolio standard.

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Building Energy Codes New buildings last 50–100 years. Requiring efficiency and electrification in building codes locks in emissions reductions for decades. States and cities that adopt stretch energy codes dramatically reduce future heating and cooling emissions.

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EV Infrastructure and Transportation Policy Transportation is the largest source of U.S. emissions. State zero-emission vehicle standards, public EV charging networks, and transit investment together shift the entire transportation sector. California's ZEV mandate has been adopted by 17 other states.

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Land Use and Zoning Reform Sprawl forces car dependence. Zoning reforms that allow denser, walkable, transit-oriented communities reduce driving, lower energy use in buildings, and protect natural land. Some of the most impactful state-level climate work is in reforming land use laws.

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Forest and Agricultural Land Protection State-level conservation programs, agricultural easements, and working lands initiatives keep forests standing and soils healthy — some of the most cost-effective carbon sinks available, with co-benefits for water, biodiversity, and local economies.