State level energy policy in the United States and across the globe has facilitated a reshaping of resource consumption and socioeconomic growth through strategies that advance innovative technologies, support broad economic development goals, and protect fragile natural environments. This research-based case study analysis will compare and contrast the political and economic experiences of the United States with Canada, Germany, Australia, and the devolved governments of the United Kingdom. Rooted in theories of federalism and intergovernmental relations, it will further understanding of the impacts and implications of financial and regulatory climate and clean energy policy tools within a 21st century polycentric governance structure.
Polycentric policy approaches, in which different levels of governance-from the global to the community level-address the aspects of a multi-layered policy challenge at the appropriate level, are a means for meeting the global commons challenge that is climate change. Under the structure of a federalist system, the national, state, county, and city governments reserve roles and powers to regulate, coordinate, incentivize, and support public goods and goals. State governments (or their equivalent) around the world have a variety of regulatory, financial, and information policy tools available to address climate and clean energy. In seeking to mitigate the threat of climate change and address complimentary needs such as energy security, economic development, and additional environmental protections, sub-national jurisdictions have turned to clean energy policy tools to implement energy efficiency programs and low-carbon renewable energy technologies. The United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia are four federalist nations with experiences in clean energy policies that can shed light on multiple levels of governance in this growing public policy subsystem. In addition, the devolved Scottish and Welsh governments in the United Kingdom offer a further perspective on the challenges and opportunities of subnational actors. There are multiple stakeholders and multiple functions in energy policy. The elected and administrative leadership of states and devolved governments have the opportunity to adopt and implement policies to serve a variety of societal needs. The case study analysis of the politics of state level institutions and macroeconomic implications of subnational climate and clean energy policies will provide researchers, students, and policymakers with practical information to advance their understanding of these policy options in the policy process. There has already been attention to state efforts in this policy domain, but this research and presentation will advance understanding through a rigorous approach to analyzing policy tools, comparative federalism theory, and new data in the evolving context of climate change and clean energy policy.
