Climate Policy at the Local Level: A Survey of California’s Cities and Counties
Ellen Hanak, Louise Bedsworth, Sarah Swanbeck, and Joanna Malaczynski

November 2008

California has taken center stage in national and international efforts to fight global warming. This survey of over 300 of the state’s cities and counties puts the spotlight on the role California’s local governments are playing. It finds that there is already considerable local involvement in activities related to climate change. However, many efforts are still focused on municipal operations and facilities, rather than on the broader community. Better information on successful programs and funding sources, and greater clarity in state law on conformity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will help further local efforts.