Summary
The structure and dynamics of the United States government exercise a strong influence on its policies on climate change. The primary level of government is the States, many of which have set up policies and laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to begin to adapt to climate change. Regional diversity in views about climate change and mitigation strategies have resulted in a patchwork of policies, however, creating one impetus for the federal government to create a national policy. At the federal level of government, the U.S. Constitution establishes a strong "separation of powers" among the Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Judiciary. There is a general consensus that the Congress should pass legislation designed specifically to address climate change. However, even though one political party (the Democrats) holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, differences among regions, sectoral representatives, and parties have prevented building a coalition with sufficient votes to pass a comprehensive climate change law. The President's powers are limited, but enhanced by a Supreme Court decision that the Clean Air Act provides certain authorities to regulate greenhouse gases from some sources. With other major, divisive issues facing the United States, as well as a "mid-term" election in November, it is uncertain whether and how the federal government will address climate change in 2010.
Discussant: Claude Henry
