Federalism: Discussion 11 Essay Example

The state of California has since been acknowledged as America’s trade setter with regard to initiating and adopting ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly programs and policies. Therefore, table 2-1, showing the receptiveness of states to environmental policies does not come as a surprise. Nebraska, South Dakota and Mississippi, on the other hand, trail behind the table because most areas around these states are undeveloped. They seem to be engaged in a race to the bottom of the table by not adopting the requisite reforms that would be essential in protecting the environment and making it sustainable. It has been a long tradition of the state of California to require investors to provide critical information showing the financial risks that climate change poses on their businesses. It also requires investors to provide risk assessments of what climate change might pose to their companies and customers.
The fight to ensure that government agencies, private companies and international organizations comply with climate change regulations is extremely hard. Organizations are able to arm-twist the government to shelving climate change programs and policies. However, California has been able to do this effectively. In order to know how, Connecticut, Oregon and California were able to do that; one should examine the economic, social and political power of these states. When measured separately from the United States economy, the state of California boasts of being the ninth largest economy in the whole world. This provides incredible opportunities to both local and international investors to start their businesses. Companies can literally do anything in order to be granted access to the market that these economies provide. Therefore, when the government initiates programs that are eco-friendly and might cost companies a lot of money, there is not so much they can do. They will grumble, but still implement and adhere to them. For example, California has one of the most aggressive renewable portfolios in the world. While the state of Mississippi does not even have such a portfolio, California plans to generate at least 33% of their power from renewable sources by 2020. This is an ambitious plan that requires a lot of investments and resources. Fortunately, it has the economic muscle to provide the requisite resources. Throughout the table, the economic aspect of the state significantly determines its position. The top ten states roughly encompass the top ten economies in the United States. While the economies of Alaska and Alabama are relatively stable, states such as New York, Illinois and Washington are at a high pedestal. Therefore, states with strong economies are engaged in a race to the top of the table in ensuring that they comply with all necessary environmental requirements in order to protect their investments. On the other hand, states will low economies cannot be expected to implement much of these programs as they will increase the costs of doing business, thus making them unattractive for investors. States at the top seem less concerned with deterring investors because they are already attractive markets. For example, the Solar Power project implemented in California has risen exponentially in recent years. The cities of Sacramento and Los Angeles have adopted these programs with zeal. States at the top seek to maintain and improve the natural beauty and resources for existing investments rather attracting new ones.