Abstract
This article argues that state and regional initiatives have unique benefits and drawbacks that should be recognized and embraced when states attempt to develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction policies. Before setting policies designed to reduce GHG emissions, lawmakers and government regulators should consider whether the actions they are contemplating are likely to be effective at their given level of government. That is, although a program may be theoretically capable of achieving its desired effect, GHG reduction programs will be significantly impeded if the implementing authority chooses programs that are too broad or too limited in scope. To that end, this article analyzes recent GHG emissions reduction initiatives in the energy-rich state of Wyoming. The article considers initiatives at the state and regional level and considers these programs in the context of proposed GHG emissions reduction plans in other states and regions.
This article was presented at the Wyoming Law Review Energy Symposium in February 2007.