“As I understand this, there still aren’t any mandates and/or enforcement mechanisms attached to the policy goals — is that true?”

The enforceability varies a bit from state to state. Some states — California, Washington, and British Columbia for example — either have sufficient exec-branch authority or pretty firm legislative commitment. And almost all of the northeastern states are fairly committed to RGGI. But, yeah, some states, particularly in the Rocky Mtn West, may have difficulty getting legislative approval for the policies. We’ll find out soon.

“Also, how far behind are those states that are the most dependent on coal-based economies, electricity generation, etc.? Where do we need to see the most change in views about climate change policies?

It’s hard to make generalizations, though there’s a coincidental correlation between some PNW states with “clean” hydro and liberal politics. The good news about coal — if that’s not an oxymoron — is that the electricity sector is ripe with efficiences that are actually cheaper than free. They pay for themselves in just a couple of years, and there are many, many good substitutes for coal-powered electricity. The big obstacle, of course, is our good friends in the coal industry.

A link to the video lecture; blow by all the hype about it and watch the video.

I would appreciate any links to any counter arguments, especailly those who answer Prof Carter directly.

Thank you

Interesting there is still value in ’states rights’.

We are doing a few things right. First, we have a statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program (over 7 years old now) as opposed to a “utility by utility” mish-mash. Some states don’t even have that. This program is now overseen by the Public Service Commission, which will now treat energy efficiency as a “resource”, in the same way it views generating plants.

Wonder how long before the Wingers start to say “Franco-San Francisco values”? Of course, the South Florida wingers may wish to learn to say ith through snorkels….