Climate Policy
Clients and collaborators – The Harrison Institute contributes to work of the Georgetown Climate Center (GCC). The GCC supports climate partnerships at every level of government, links states with federal policymakers, analyzes legislation and rule-making, shares best practices, and serves as a resource to all states. Harrison projects contribute to the GCC's Adaptation Clearinghouse of resources for coastal development, public health, transportation, water, and other sectors. See our list of other clients and collaborators here.
Adapting to sea level rise – As the seas continue to rise, coastal communities face increasing flooding, erosion and storm surge, which will destroy ecosystems and property. We work with state and local governments that seek to minimize these effects by adapting their coastal management, floodplain and zoning laws. Read more about our work on sea level rise. Featured publications:
- Adaptation tool kit: Sea level rise - Jessica Grannis
- Maryland model zoning ordinance for adapting to sea level rise: Summary - Jessica Grannis
- Coastal permits by the Army Corp of Engineers - Eric Swanson & Jessica Grannis
Adapting to urban heat – Pavement and buildings absorb heat; they make cities a "heat island" – about 5 degrees hotter in the day and 20 degrees hotter at night compared with surrounding rural areas. Up to 3,000 people could die from extreme heat annually by 2050, an enormous increase from current conditions. We work with local governments to reduce heat islands by using cool roofs, green roofs, cool pavements, and urban forestry. Read more about our work on urban heat. Featured publications:
- Adaptation tool kit: Urban heat - Sara Hoverter
Preemption of state fuel standards – States have developed some of the most progressive low-carbon fuel standards and markets for carbon trading. The industry is challenging the leading state, California, on constitutional and preemption grounds. We work with several states to preserve state authority (legislation, rulemaking, litigation) and minimize the impact of the industry lawsuits.
Sustainability standards – The European Union has adopted "sustainability standards" for screening fuel imports. These standards consider a number of factors such as impact of fuel production on land use, food prices and availability, and water pollution. At the request of state governments, we are analyzing whether states have the authority and capacities necessary to implement sustainability standards, and if so, what form those standards could take.
