july 2016 political scan for tci

Connecticut

Governor Dan Malloy

Party Democrat, currently the chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

Election year 2010

Up for reelection

Was reelected in 2014 but is not standing for re-election.

Political Climate

With a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in CT is progressive. There is a good chance that meaningful progress is possible.

Stance on climate change

Believes strongly in anthropogenic climate change.

State emission reduction targets

Policies: 2013 Comprehensive Energy Strategy, affirmed goals set in the 2008 Connecticut Global Warming Solutions Act Targets:

10% below 1990 by 2020 80% below 2001 by 2050 Under 2 MOU[1] (2015) 35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1 (2015))

RGGI? Yes.

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Major energy policies

“Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (D) believes climate change is one of the most challenging and pressing issues of our time. As Governor, he created the Connecticut Shoreline Resiliency Fund, a low-interest loan program for state residents who are subject to coastal flooding and would like to elevate their homes. He signed into law the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance bank to increase private investment in renewables and expanded Connecticut’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to help move the state away from dirtier fuels.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1 Signed Under 2 MOU-- Oct 2015 Worldwide agreement between state, regional, and other sub-national levels of government to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius by reducing GHG emissions 80-95% below 1990 levels before 2050 Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. CT’s Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates that by 2020, 20% of CT power must come from renewables.

Infrastructure & Transportation

This year, Malloy released a massive 30-year, $100 billion infrastructure plan.

"’With few exceptions, the transportation system has reacted to inadequate investment, infrastructure failures, insufficient capacity and transit service crises,’ Malloy wrote. ‘Transportation plans have been constrained to address only the most critical safety issues and infrastructure performance priorities…’ 12

The more short-term five-year, $10 billion program includes $3.8 billion in state funding that is already anticipated, $2.8 billion in new state funding and $3.4 billion in expected federal funding.http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-transportation-spending-0826-20140825-story.html

Environment/climate and notable actions

Mixed record. Has been endorsed by CT League of Conservation Voters, but heavily criticized when last year’s budget included large cuts for the Council on Environmental Quality, a major CT environmental watchdog group.

Gas tax CT has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes in response to the price of motor fuel. CT total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 37.86 cents per gallon-- the 6th highest in the nation (including DC).

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Delaware

Governor Jack Markell

Party Democrat

Election year 2008

Up for reelection

Delaware governors may not be elected for more than two consecutive terms. Since Markell was re-elected in 2014, he may not pursue reelection in the 2016 cycle.

Gubernatorial Election Status

Current polls indicate a strong likelihood that Democrats will win the 2016 election for governor.36 Democratic primary John C. Carney Jr., currently a member of the US House of Representatives, is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Carney has a strong record of supporting efforts to curb climate change and develop renewable energy. He would likely strongly support a RGGI expansion.37 Republican Primary Colin Bonini, currently a member of the Delaware State Senate, is the strong Republican favorite to win the nomination for the general election. His campaign website makes no mention whatsoever of energy, environment, or climate issues and only briefly mentions of a concern for infrastructure. No specific policy stances are given.38

Political Climate

With a Democratic governor and weak Democrat majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in DE is generally progressive. Though Governor Markell and the state legislature don’t always get along (his call to raise the gas tax in 2014 fell completely flat), they have succeeded in adopting reasonable GHG reduction & clean energy standards in response to climate change.


“As Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell (D) has been outspoken about his acceptance of mainstream climate science. When commenting on the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Markell said, ‘There are still people who may say this storm or that storm is not related to general climate change. I can tell

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you when we had a number of communities flooded out in Delaware…and when you have leading scientists talk about the linkage between climate change and that flooding, people are in a position where they may more be receptive to listen.’ Markell has worked to expand renewable energy in the state, signing into law a Clean Energy Jobs package that expanded Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and strengthened the solar net metering program. Along with the former Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland, Markell asked the federal government to contract for future offshore wind energy in order to help start the offshore wind energy manufacturing industry in the Mid-Atlantic region.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1


Policy: 2015 Climate Framework for Delaware Targets: 30% below 2008 by 2030 (proposed)

RGGI? Yes.


Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. Markell had this to say of the agreement: “Joining this Accord reflects our state's commitment to continuing our path toward a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy future. In Delaware, we have dramatically reduced greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, while seeing a 30-fold increase in solar capacity and more than $100 million invested in energy efficiency projects. These efforts go hand-in-hand with building a strong economy, and in the last two years, we have set a state record for consecutive years of job growth. Our progress has been supported by our participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative partnership with eight other northeastern states, and we are looking forward to the increased collaboration and opportunities to share strategies that will result from this Accord.”-- Jack Markell, governorsnewenergyfuture.org, Governors’ Statements on the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future 20 Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires that the state obtain at least 25% of its energy from renewables by 2025. Delaware has set a goal of a 30% GHG reduction by 2030 from 2008 baseline.


“Do you really want to be in a state where your neighbors are making these big investments, their transportation systems are getting better, while your state's not. I don't think it's a good place for us to be.”-- Jack Markell, newsworks, Markell on infrastructure needs and more, February 27, 2015 21

Markell attempted to raise the gas tax in 2014, but failed. Democratic lawmakers in Delaware are debating the issue again this year, instead

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offering a temporary 1-year raise on the gas tax.


Mixed. Governor Markell has received criticism for his administration’s support for environmentally harmful poultry operations and their role in river pollution. 39 However, Governor Markell has also supported legislation to raise funding for conservation, as he recognizes the importance of a healthy environment for the state economy.40

Gas tax DE has a fixed rate gasoline tax that must be changed manually by the legislature. It has not been raised in 21 years. DE total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 23 cents per gallon-- the 35th highest in the nation (including DC). Markell is in favor of raising the gas tax to fund infrastructure improvements.

Maine

Governor Paul LePage

Party Republican

Election year 2010

Up for reelection 2018 -- was reelected in 2014

Political Climate With a Republican governor, Republican majority senate, and Democratic majority house, the political climate in Maine is mixed. House Democrats often find themselves at odds with LePage, who won the governorship in a five-way race in 2010. As long as LePage--who has used the veto a record

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number of times-- is in office there is little guarantee that meaningful energy or environmental action is possible. That said, he went along with the NEG/ECP goal setting for 2030 and has been involved in some regional efforts to earn support surprisingly.


Denier. "I just don't know how severe it is and I'm not sure how much we as human beings contribute to it. Scientists are divided on it." -- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1


Policies: Act to Provide Leadership in Addressing the Threat of Climate Change (2003) Targets:

10% below 1990 by 2020 75-80% below 2003 long-term 2011 law sets goal of reducing economy-wide oil use by at least

30% below 2009 levels by 2030 and 50% by 2050 35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1 (2015))

RGGI? Yes.


“During LePage’s tenure, he has argued that Maine could potentially benefit from the effects of climate change, vetoed legislation that would help the state prepare for extreme weather, blocked a bipartisan bill to expand solar power, and has attempted to dramatically reduce the state’s renewable energy standards to benefit large corporations. He also tried to sneak through a proposal that would exempt the state from certain anti-smog regulations, undoing protections that have been in place for almost 25 years. Following a critical series of articles in three Maine newspapers on the administration’s work to undermine environmental protections, LePage’s office cut off those papers’ access to administration officials.” - Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1 LePage has also recently vetoed a bill aimed at increasing solar energy use in Maine.


LePage recently unveiled a 3- year, $470 million infrastructure plan. It includes:

“Replacement or rehabilitation of 47 bridges, with an estimated value of nearly $95 million.

— Construction or reconstruction of 108 miles of state roads for $122 million.

— New pavement on 252 miles of state roads, worth about $86 million, plus less exhaustive surface-level paving projects on 600 additional miles of roads, at a cost of about $28 million.

— Safety improvement projects at 76 locations throughout the state, for $30 million.

— Capital projects for ports, rail, airports and other transit facilities at 94 locations, worth about $72 million.” -- Bangor Daily News, LePage unveils $2 billion three year work plan for Maine transportation projects,

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Jan 12, 15 8


In 2014 LePage was labeled as one of the League of Conservation Voters “Dirty Dozen”-- a list published by the LCV every major election cycle targeting politicians who “side against the environment.” -- League of Conservation Voters, 2014 Dirty Dozen, 2014. 9 “LePage questioned the extent to which climate change is caused by human activities, and even claimed that climate change could be a good thing for Maine...LePage proposed weakening many of Maine’s bedrock environmental laws, including those protecting water resources...LePage opposes funding for research and development of clean energy projects and worked to derail an offshore wind project in Maine.”-- League of Conservation Voters, 2014 Dirty Dozen, Paul Lepage, 2014 10

“From his earliest days in office, LePage has tried to undermine and repeal basic protections for our air, land and clean water. It is especially cynical he wants credit for the record of the Department of Environmental Protection, which under his leadership cut lake protection staff and funding and saw a 49 percent decrease in enforcement actions for land use violations.

As governor, LePage has vetoed key legislation, including bipartisan bills that would have kept pollutants out of our lakes, protected our children from harmful chemicals and invested in our clean energy economy. He has even joked about the effect hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA have on women and the very real threat of climate change to our fisheries and way of life.”-- Roger Berle, Bangor Daily News, LePage has undermined environmental protection, thwarted economic opportunity, Oct 20, 2014 12

Gas tax ME has a fixed rate gasoline tax that can only be changed manually. ME total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 30.01 cents per gallon-- the 22nd highest in the nation (including DC). Governor LePage has committed to stopping any raising of the state gas tax.

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Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan

Party Republican

Election year

2014

Up for reelection

2018

Political Climate

With a Republican governor and Democratic majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in MD is contentious. Hogan and the legislature have clashed over climate, transportation, and budget issues this year, with the legislature intending to override many of the governor’s vetoes. This year’s legislative session began with the legislature overriding every one of Governor Hogan’s vetoes from last year. While Hogan is in office, progress on climate issues seems possible given the actions of the state legislature. However, the governor’s attitude is difficult to predict.


“Newly-elected Governor Hogan (R) has indicated multiple times that he is not sure if humans contribute to climate change. However, in June of 2014, he said “There’s no question that the climate is changing, and I do think that man…does have something to do with the problem.” However, he does not think that a small state such as Maryland can do much to help blunt the impacts. ClimateProgress reached out for clarification, but did not immediately hear back from the governor’s office.” 1


Policy: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act (2009) Targets:

25% below 2006 by 2020 90% below 2006 by 2050 (voluntary)

RGGI? Yes.

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Governor Hogan recently signed a law committing Maryland to an ambitious 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 (from a 2006 baseline). However, critics are unsure how Hogan plans to meet this goal, as Hogan has caught flak for vetoing an extremely popular clean jobs bill, approving controversial appointments to the Maryland Public Service Commission, rejecting new investments in one of Maryland’s premier energy efficiency programs, and letting important positions in the Maryland Energy Administration (which provides important research on clean energy) stay vacant. Read more about this here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-hogan-energy-20160612-story.html Maryland’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard requires that by 2022 Maryland obtain 20% of its energy from renewables by 2022.


In 2011 the ASCE gave Maryland’s infrastructure a C- rating, which is described as “mediocre” by the society.

In June of 2015 Governor Hogan announced $1.97 billion in infrastructure funding for Maryland, claiming that the funding would be enough to fix all structurally deficient bridges in the state:

“The priority projects, which will get underway by 2018, include $1.35 billion in new projects going to construction and $625 million in preserved projects. The $1.35 billion in new projects includes $845 million for major projects and $500 million to fix bridges and improve roads...In addition, Governor Hogan also announced he has directed the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to move forward with a more cost-effective and streamlined version of the Purple Line that will connect Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. Under this scaled back version of the project, the state share in the Purple Line will be only $168 million – a fraction of the original proposal, which would have cost the state close to $700 million.”-- governor.maryland.gov, Governor Larry Hogan Announces $1.97 Billion in Transportation Funding, June 25, 2015 25


“Governor Hogan also seems likely to support fracking in the state, saying he would ‘want to make sure that [fracking] is done in an environmentally sensitive way, and that we take every precaution possible.” As ThinkProgress reported, ‘ Hogan’s choice of [Ben] Grumbles as environment secretary embodies the nature of that quote: that fracking likely will happen, but with some precautions. Grumbles was heavily involved with fracking while serving as an EPA administrator under Bush, most notably overseeing the release of a 2004 report that determined the controversial process was safe for drinking water. That report was eventually used by the Bush administration to pass a law that prohibited the EPA from regulating fracking under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1

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Gas tax MD has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes automatically in response to the price of motor fuel. MD total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 32.6 cents per gallon-- the 13th highest in the nation (including DC). Governor Hogan wants to repeal the variable gas tax, as he is not in favor of any increases in the gas tax.

Massachusetts

Governor Charlie Baker

Party Republican

Election year 2014

Up for reelection 2018

Political Climate Democrats hold supermajorities in both the MA House and Senate. While Baker is a Republican, for the most part, he and the legislature cooperate. Baker has stayed the course on many of Massachusetts’ aggressive clean energy and GHG reduction goals. While Baker doesn’t have environmental leanings, he is very clear on the legislative requirements for action and the Kain decision which requires action. Meaningful progress on climate issues seems possible with Baker in office.


“Newly-elected Governor Charlie Baker (R) has flip-flopped on his belief in climate change. According to The Boston Globe, Governor Baker privately expressed doubt on climate science during a meeting with environmentalists when he ran for governor in 2010. “The advocates say the meeting with Baker in 2010 turned tense quickly, as the Republican candidate held forth

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in front of a whiteboard on why he believed climate change was not the result of human causes, a view at odds with most climate scientists.” Now, Baker has reversed his position, acknowledging that humans contribute to climate change, and says he recommends “reducing our carbon footprint.” In his first weeks as governor, he elected a “controversial”new energy team, according to The Boston Globe. ‘An unsuccessful Republican candidate for Congress who campaigned against government regulations, a former lobbyist for the region’s fossil fuel industry, and a senior executive at one of the state’s largest power companies will oversee energy policy for Governor Charlie Baker…” 1


Policies: Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 (2010), pursuant to the 2008

Global Warming Solutions Act Targets:

25% below 1990 by 2020 80% below 1990 by 2050 Under 2 MOU (2015) 35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1 (2015))

RGGI? Yes.


Signed Under 2 MOU-- Oct 2015 Worldwide agreement between state, regional, and other sub-national levels of government to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius by reducing GHG emissions 80-95% below 1990 levels before 2050 “The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed in August of 2008... requires reductions from all sectors of the economy to reach a target of a 25% reduction [from a 1990 baseline] of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050.”-- Mass.gov, Massachusetts Progress towards Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by 2020 2 Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. On the accord Gov Baker said: “Massachusetts will continue to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative technologies such as energy storage. These efforts, and our legislative proposal to bring additional hydroelectricity and other renewable resources into the region, will ensure we meet our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while also creating a stronger economy for the Commonwealth”-- Mass.gov, Governor Baker Joins Governor's’ Accord for a New Energy Future, Feb 16, 2016 3 Baker’s administration also recently added $2 million to MA electric vehicle rebate program.

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“Baker was tested by transit-related issues immediately upon taking office, and throughout the year, he has publicly tied his success to his ability to improve the system. In this year’s budget, Baker carved out a $109 million increase in transportation funding — a 20 percent overall increase from the previous year, with a 57 percent increase in direct aid to the MBTA for operational improvements.”-- Politico, Baker links the future of Massachusetts infrastructure to his own, Dec, 2015 4

Environment/ climate and notable actions

“Citing ‘severely understaffed’ state agencies, six groups gave Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's Energy and Environmental Affairs Office a grade of “C” for its performance during the governor's first year in office...

While running for office, Baker pledged to increase spending on environmental programs to 1 percent of total state spending over the four years of his term. The environmental groups say that Baker's first two budgets moved in the ‘wrong direction,’ slashing environmental funds as revenues and overall state spending increased.

“‘Neither of the administration's two budgets to date have come close to this amount and in fact the Governor's latest budget cut environmental funding by an additional 7%,’ the report reads. ‘Reduced resources translates into reduced capacity to protect the environment.’”5

Baker's fiscal 2017 budget proposal cuts funding for environmental agencies by $17 million, which could threaten their ability to carry out their duties, according to the report.” --Masslive.com, On Earth Day, environmental groups give Gov. Charlie Baker a middling grade, 4/22/2016 5

1.9% of the Massachusetts workforce is employed in the clean energy sector.

Gas tax MA has a variable rate gasoline tax that rises with inflation. This change was made in 2014, the last time the gas tax was manually raised. MA total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 26.54 cents per gallon-- the 26th highest in the nation (including DC).

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New Hampshire

Governor Maggie Hassan

Party Democrat

Election year 2012

Up for reelection 2016 (every 2 years, was reelected in 2014). However this election cycle Hassan is seeking election to the US Senate.

Gubernatorial Election Status

According to Ballotpedia, the latest polling on the race indicates a toss-up in the general election.33 Democratic Primary: There are 3 contenders for the NH Democratic nomination.

1) Mark Connolly: A former Deputy Secretary of State for NH, Connolly has said this on climate change: “We need leaders who will tackle the challenge of climate change head-on. That’s why, as governor, I will fight to encourage New Hampshire to help power America with 50 percent clean energy by 2030. I’m proud to make the commitment to growing clean energy jobs in the Granite State, promoting energy conservation, building a lasting energy net-metering system without caps, and empowering our communities to generate more of their own electricity from clean sources—but meeting that goal will take a statewide push for a cleaner future.”-- Mark Connolly, nhlabornews.com, Earth Day: Where Do NH’s Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Climate Change, April 22, 201634 2) Steve Marchand: Former Mayor of Portsmouth. Marchand’s campaign is focusing on solving NH’s heroin and opioid epidemic. His website does not mention climate issues or renewable energy, nor does his campaign seem to have

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focused much attention on them. Marchand does, however, prioritize infrastructure development 35. 3) Colin Van Ostern: A former NH executive councilor and businessman, Van Ostern has said this of climate change: “Combating and reversing climate change is one of the most critical challenges facing us. New Hampshire has a tremendous opportunity to do more – and doing so is a tremendous economic opportunity as well...Securing a cleaner, greener future is why I’ve been on the front lines for years fighting to secure community solar projects in Peterborough, Durham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth; working to fix the net metering cap on solar development; conserving critical open places in our state; and working in the private sector for employers like Stonyfield yogurt who prove we can create economic growth while taking on climate change.”34 Van Ostern would likely support further climate measures.

Republican Primary: There are three major contenders for the NH gubernatorial Republican nomination.

1) Chris Sununu: Current NH Executive Council member and son of former NH Governor John Sununu. Sununu is a climate denier and has used his office to block renewable energy development efforts.34 He would likely oppose climate action. 2) Ted Gatsas: Current Mayor of Manchester. Gatsas has a history of fighting renewable energy development in NH.34 He would likely oppose climate action. 3) Jeanie Forrester. Currently a NH state senator. During her tenure Forrester voted to have NH leave RGGI. She would very likely not support climate action.

Political Climate With a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in NH is mixed. The state has attempted to both leave RGGI and strengthen its commitment to the program. Though Governor Hassan has been supportive of new measures for progress on climate issues, such attitudes are less certain to be found in the legislature. Considering that Governor Hassan only has 6 months left in her tenure-- and the fact that the NH governor seat could easily go to a Republican-- the possibility of further climate action within the state is uncertain.


“Governor Maggie Hassan (D) has said ‘the science behind climate change is incontrovertible,’ and in 2013, signed two bills into law to help lessen the impact of climate change in New Hampshire. The bills aim to give more power to state and local governments to prepare coastal communities for sea-level rise, and include the creation of a

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new Coastal Risk and Hazard Commission. She also signed into law two bills that strengthen New Hampshire’s participation in RGGI by lowering the carbon pollution cap for power plants.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1


Policies: New Hampshire Climate Action Plan (2009) Targets:

20% below 1990 by 2025 80% below 1990 by 2050 Under 2 MOU (2015) 35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1

(2015))

RGGI? Yes.

Major energy policies Signed Under 2 MOU, October 2015 Worldwide agreement between state, regional, and other sub-national levels of government to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius by reducing GHG emissions 80-95% below 1990 levels before 2050 Enforces New Hampshire Climate Action Plan Put into place by Governor John Lynch in 2009, the plan calls for NH to reduce GHG emissions by 25% below 1990 levels before 2025 and for an 80% reduction by 2050. Enforces NH Renewable Energy Portfolio Put into place by Governor John Lynch in 2007, the law requires NH energy providers to source 24.8% of their electricity from renewables by 2025. Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors.


Accepted $200 million in federal fund loan to repair statewide road infrastructure. -- May 2016 Submitted 10-year plan for state infrastructure improvements. Plans include moving forward with additional public rail transportation, renovating and preserving important bridges, and expanding Interstate 93. -- Jan 2016

Environment and climate record and notable actions

Signed legislation to conserve oyster reefs in the Great Bay-- October 2014 Senate campaign website: “Supports strong fracking regulations and

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closing loopholes that exempt drilling and fracking operations from basic environmental protections.”-- maggiehassan.com 6 Restored full funding to New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP)

Gas tax NH has a fixed gas tax rate that may only be changed manually by the state legislature. In 2014 NH raised its gas tax by 4 cents to pay for $200 million federal loan for infrastructure funds. It was the first NH gas tax increase in 20 years. NH total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 22.83 cents per gallon-- the 33rd highest in the nation (including DC).

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New Jersey

Governor Chris Christie

Party Republican

Election year 2010

Up for reelection

New Jersey governors may not be elected for more than two consecutive terms. Since Christie was re elected in 2014, he may not pursue reelection in the 2018 cycle.

Political Climate

With a Republican governor and Democrat majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in NJ is very contentious. Christie’s hardline fiscal conservatism often conflicts with the desires of Democrats in the state legislature. While Christie has championed and supported NJ’s solar energy sector, his skepticism on the need for strong climate policy and backing out of RGGI makes strong climate progress in NJ unlikely while he is in office.


Mixed. Has expressed both skepticism and belief in anthropogenic climate change. Whether he actually believes in it or not, the governor’s actions indicate he does not think it is a priority.

RGGI? No. NJ was once a member but Governor Christie pulled the state out of the program in 2011. While NJ was a member Christie raided RGGI funds to balance the state budget. Christie has called the program “gimmicky.”


“Governor Chris Christie (R) flip-flopped on climate change throughout his tenure as governor. In 2011, he acknowledged the effects humans have on climate change, but in 2013, he rejected the notion that Hurricane Sandy’s damage was worsened by climate change. A New Jersey appeals court ruled that the governor illegally withdrew the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) back in 2011, a Northeast cap-and-trade program that aims to collectively reduce carbon pollution from power plants. He also broke from other Northeast states and did not join the lawsuit to defend the EPA’s cross-state air pollution rules. His administration has been accused of going to

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extraordinary lengths to secure approval for a controversial gas pipeline that would benefit a top Christie political operative who was also enmeshed in the George Washington Bridge scandal. The governor has signed legislation into law that increased the number of solar renewable energy credits that electric utilities must buy. In 2010, Christie signed into law a bill that aims to facilitate offshore wind power, but his administration has recently been accused of stalling the projects.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1 NJ has a very strong solar market and Christie’s administration fully supports it. In 2012 Christie signed a bill to help improve the solar market’s functioning. “More than many other major markets, New Jersey’s solar status is influenced by political will and extensive renewable energy policy rather than abundant solar resources. The solar renewable energy credit (SREC) market in the state drives a significant amount of capacity installation -- credits are created through a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) which requires that a certain amount of energy generated in the state comes from solar. The price of SRECs is determined by the supply of solar generation and the demand to meet New Jersey’s RPS requirements.” --greentechmedia.com, Gov. Christie Signs New Jersey’s Solar “Resurrection Bill”, July 23, 2013 16 “By enacting a strong renewable portfolio standard (RPS), net metering, a solar renewable energy credit (SREC) financing model, and other supportive policies, New Jersey has become a nationally recognized leader for solar power development, with over 27,800 industrial, commercial, academic, and residential installations.”-- American Council on Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy in New Jersey, June, 2014 17 NJ’s RPS requires that 21.38% of the state’s energy come from renewables by 2021.

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NJ faces tremendous infrastructure challenges.

“According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) national infrastructure report card from 2009, New Jersey’s water infrastructure is on the verge of flunking, with a C for drinking water and a D for wastewater. Roads and bridges squeaked by with a D.” -- NJ.com, How bad is NJ’s infrastructure? Shameful is one word for it.-- July 9, 2014 18

Currently the future of NJ’s infrastructure is unstable, as the state’s Transportation Trust Fund has expired without a replacement. Christie recently ordered a shutdown of all state funded infrastructure projects until a deal could be reached.

Politicians in the state cannot agree on how to fund direly needed infrastructure repairs. Much debate along party lines focuses on whether to raise NJ’s gas tax.

The NY times has a great summary of the myriad issues surrounding NJ’s infrastructure struggles.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/nyregion/infrastructure-crisis-may-compel-new-jersey-to-finally-raise-gas-tax.html?_r=0

Environment/ climate and notable actions

Christie was given a C- rating by the group Environment New Jersey. The group cited his “decision to kill the new rail tunnel under the Hudson, cut NJ Transit subsidies and service, nominating several people who are ‘anti-Highlands Water Planning and Protection Act’ to the Highlands Council... [and] skepticism that global warming is caused by humans.” as cause for the grade. -- NJ.com, Gov. Chris Christie receives mixed review from advocacy group for his environmental record. Jan 19, 2011 19

Gas tax NJ has a fixed rate gasoline tax that must be changed manually by the legislature. It has not been raised in over 20 years. NJ total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 14.5 cents per gallon-- the 2nd highest in the nation (including DC). Christie is opposed to raising the gas tax and has only considered it when a gas tax raise is paired with other tax cuts.

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New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo

Party Democrat

Election year 2010

Up for reelection

2018 (every 4 years, was reelected in 2014)

Political Climate With a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in NY is progressive. More progress on climate issues seems very likely during Governor Cuomo’s tenure.


“In an op-ed, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) said that climate denial is distracting us from addressing its inarguable effects. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Cuomo outlined a plan on how New York could start to prepare for the impacts of climate change by investing federal disaster aid on items like high-tech weather stations and seals for entrances to subway stations. He announced more than 1,000 projects that will better prepare the state for storms, which includes rebuilding tidal wetlands, upgrading the electrical grid, and buying homes that are at a high risk of flooding.”-- The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 20151


Policies: 2015 State Energy Plan; Exec. Order No. 2 (2011); Exec. Order No. 24 (2009) Goals:

10% below 1990 by 2020 40% below 1990 by 2030 80% below 1990 by 2050 2015 State Energy Plan set an economy-wide GHG reduction goal

of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 Under 2 MOU (2015)

RGGI? Yes

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Signed Under 2 MOU-- Oct 2015 Worldwide agreement between states & regions to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees celsius. Also committed to:

40% reduction of GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2030 Installing clean power at every SUNY campus by 2020 Interstate agency cooperation to develop North American carbon

market Announced Reforming the Energy Vision (REV)-- April 2014 REV is a statewide regulatory overhaul designed to achieve 3 targets by 2030:

30% reduction of GHG emissions from 1990 levels 50% of energy generation from renewables 23% reduction in building energy consumption from 2012 levels REV also includes a new $5 billion, 10 year clean energy fund known

as the NY Green Bank. The fund’s aim is to stimulate NY’s clean energy economy by attracting private investors and funding innovative business & research.

Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. NY SUN Initiative 2012 Announced in 2012 as a $400 million commitment to increase solar power use in NY. In 2014 Cuomo increased the commitment to $1 billion.


2016 State of the Union address included many ambitious infrastructure projects including: A $200 million grant competition for upstate airport renovations (this initiative is currently funding renovations for 74 airports) and $22 billion in funding for roads and bridge reconstruction in upstate NY In 2015 Cuomo announced a $4 billion reconstruction project for La Guardia airport (construction on this began this in June 2016, cost estimate is now ~$7 billion) The La Guardia airport reconstruction was contracted out to La Guardia Gateway Partners (LGP) by the NY and New Jersey Port Authority. The contract represents the nation’s largest public private partnership. Cuomo also has also announced plans to renovate Penn Station in Manhattan as well as JFK airport. Cuomo’s administration has been criticized for a lack of detail on funding sources for many of their infrastructure proposals.

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Environment and climate record and notable actions

-Banned fracking in NY in 2014 -In 2008 while serving as attorney general of NY, Cuomo led a 9 state coalition in a lawsuit against the Bush EPA for creating an “illegal loophole in the federal Clean Water Act by refusing to control the transfer of polluted water from one water body to another” (ag.ny.gov) Signed Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA)-- 2014 Law requiring state programs (namely those related to regulation or permits) to demonstrate consideration of future risk due to storm surge, sea level rise, and flooding. During first term as governor secured $583 million for the state Environmental Protection Fund-- a 17% increase in funding from the year Cuomo entered office

Gas tax NY has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes in response to the price of motor fuel. NY’s total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 42.32 cents per gallon-- the 3rd highest in the nation (including DC).

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Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolfe

Party Democrat

Election year 2014

Up for reelection

2018

Political Climate

With a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in PA is contentious. Pennsylvania has a long history with fossil fuel production. While Governor Wolf embraces this legacy, he is still the most progressive governor Pennsylvania has had in a long time. Wolf and the legislature often clash on environmental issues and the state budget. While Wolf is in office the prospect of meaningful progress on climate issues seems hopeful, but nonetheless difficult with a Republican controlled legislature.


Believer in anthropogenic climate change. “Unlike his predecessor, newly-elected Governor Tom Wolf (D) believes in climate change. According to his campaign website, ‘Tom knows we need to remove the politics from the discussion about climate change and global warming… As governor, Tom will promote policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy alternatives, and invest in green energy technology and infrastructure.’ Then-candidate Wolf also promised to try and move the state into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1

RGGI? Non-active observer only. Before the CPP, Wolf had said he supported

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bringing Pennsylvania into RGGI but now seems to be going for a CPP pathway.


Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. Wolf said this of the agreement: “Pennsylvania is proud of its history as an energy producing state. We drilled the first oil well, our coal fueled the industrial revolution, and now new resources are contributing to a low-carbon energy renaissance. In joining this bipartisan coalition and signing the Governors' Accord for a New Energy Future, we commit to continue to evolve towards new energy solutions which will help make the state and nation more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.”-- Governors’ Statements on the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future 20 Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard mandates that by 2021, 18% of Pennsylvania’s energy must come from “alternative” sources, only 8% of which are required to be renewable.41 Most other Northeastern states instead have a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Comparatively, Pennsylvania’s commitment to renewable energy is weaker than most of the Northeast’s.


In 2014, Pennsylvania received a C- grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Society found that Pennsylvania “faces immense challenges to maintaining and modernizing infrastructure throughout the state” and that “Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country. Of the Commonwealth’s more than 22,000 bridges, nearly one in four are considered structurally deficient.”-- infrastructurereportcard.org, 2014 Report Card for Pennsylvania’s Infrastructure, 2014 23

“Pennsylvania lawmakers approved Act 89 in late 2013, a law that hikes wholesale gasoline taxes and other vehicle-related fees that is expected to raise $2.3 billion by its fifth year.

The state initiatives stand in stark contrast to inaction in Congress, where a temporary funding patch is scheduled to expire in May and lawmakers have been at odds over a long-term highway plan.

‘Act 89 put us in fairly good shape compared to other states, but federal funding is a key component,’ PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick said. ‘We get $1.5 to $1.6 billion a year. If somehow federal funding stopped, all the progress under Act 89 would be delayed.’

While the bridge backlog has shrunken, the percentage of state roads in poor condition has surged from 16 percent in 2009 to 23 percent in 2013.

Former PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch, a special adviser to Gov. Tom

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Wolf, said that with the added money from Act 89, Pennsylvania is about $2 billion short of what is needed. He said many of the interstates need to be rebuilt from the ground up.”-- triblive.com, Pennsylvania road repair fund falls billions of dollars short, February 21, 2015 24

Environment/ Climate and other notable actions

Strong. Since his tenure as governor began, Wolf has upheld a ban on fracking in state parks, implemented strong methane emission regulations, and raised the state’s budgets for the both the Departments of Environmental Protection and of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Gas Tax PA has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes automatically in response to the price of motor fuel. PA total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 50.3 cents per gallon-- the highest in the nation.

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Rhode Island

Governor Gina Raimondo

Party Democrat

Election year 2014

Up for reelection

2018

Political Climate

With a Democratic governor and Democratic super majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in RI is extremely progressive. Raimondo and the legislature have successfully produced a number of pro climate-action initiatives, and this trend seems likely to continue. Raimondo did not actually veto any bill until last June-- over a year into her governorship.


“When running for governor, Governor Gina Raimondo (D) said, ‘we must do everything we can now to adapt to an environment transformed by climate change, and mitigate the impact that it will have on our state.’ Similar to Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy’s clean energy finance bank, Governor Raimondo has said she is interested in creating one for the state of Rhode Island. The green bank would allow the government and the private sector to work together to fund renewable energy development.”-- Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1


Policies: Resilient Rhode Island Act (2014); Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (2002) Targets:

10% below 1990 by 2020 45% below 1990 by 2035 80% below 1990 by 2050 Under 2 MOU (2015)

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35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1 (2015))

RGGI? Yes


Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. “The Governor's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget contains many initiatives designed to make it easier for clean energy companies to do business in Rhode Island including:

Establishing the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) FY 2016 Budget Article 14): -Expanding Property Assessed Clean

Energy (PACE) to commercial and residential properties for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle charging station finance opportunities, Allowing the Renewable Energy Fund and PACE programs to be leveraged together, Establishing the Efficient Building Fund for energy efficiency services to municipal buildings; Enabling RIIB access to the Federal Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds program; and Extending the Least-Cost Procurement law for the gas and electric energy efficiency programs until the end of 2023.”-- RI.gov, Rhode Island Clean Energy Economy Grows Stronger 13

Signed Under 2 MOU-- Oct 2015 Worldwide agreement between state, regional, and other subnational levels of government to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees celsius by reducing GHG emissions 80-95% below 1990 levels before 2050 RI’s Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates that by 2019, 16% of CT power must come from renewables.


RI faces significant infrastructure challenges.

“In 2013, nearly 22 percent of Rhode Island’s 766 bridges were found structurally deficient, compared with the national average of only 11 percent, and nearly 25 percent of the state’s bridges were deemed functionally obsolete, compared with a national average of 14 percent, Herrmann said. Only Pennsylvania fared worse.”-- Brown Daily Herald, Long road ahead for R.I. infrastructure, April 7, 2015 14

In May of last year Governor Raimondo revealed her infrastructure plan for the state.

“The plan calls for a $700 million bond issue, to be included as part of the budget for the next fiscal year, to jump-start transit-related construction work. To the delight of unionized workers in attendance, Raimondo characterized

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the initiative -- dubbed ‘Rhode Works’ -- as a measure that will improve infrastructure while creating construction jobs.

The bond is envisioned as part of an overall $1.1 billion increase (including a $400 million request for federal funds for public transit) in planned infrastructure spending over the next 10 years. In terms of the $700 million bond issue, $300 million would go to accelerate bridge repairs across the state, while $400 million would support bridge repairs on routes 6 and 10.”-- Rhode Island Public Radio, Raimondo Unveils $1.1 Billion Infrastructure Improvement Plan, May 27, 2015 15

For more detail on the Governor Raimondo’s infrastructure plan go here: http://www.ri.gov/press/view/24912


Strong record. Governor Raimondo has already signed legislation strengthening protections for wetlands42 and has advocated increase penalties for polluters. The governor’s budget for FY 17 includes a number of initiatives designed to enhance environmental protection in the state, including hiring new scientists and lawyers for the state’s environmental management department and allocating $35 million to restore and build new bike paths and public parks.43

Gas tax RI has a variable rate gasoline tax that is indexed to the Consumer Price Index. RI total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 34 cents per gallon-- the 9th highest in the nation (including DC).

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Vermont

Governor Peter Shumlin

Party Democrat

Election year 2010

Up for reelection

2016 (every 2 years, was reelected in 2012 & 2014). However, Shumlin is not running for reelection this cycle.

Gubernatorial election status

According to Ballotpedia, current polling for the race gives the Democrats a “lean” edge.32 Democratic party: There are two leading candidates for the Democratic nomination:

Matt Dunne: A former member of both the Vermont house and senate, Matt Dunne favors “exploring joining the California cap and trade program”. Of climate change in general, Dunn’s campaign website says this: “Climate change will fundamentally harm our economy, from its impact on maple sugaring to the ski industry, and we must ensure we are leading the country in reducing carbon so that others will follow our lead and solve this problem. We cannot allow Lake Champlain to die and we cannot lose our prime agricultural soils, some of the best in the world.” -- mattdunne.com, Energy and the Environment, 201630 Dunne’s campaign website does not mention RGGI. However, it is likely he would support the TCI.

Sue Minter: A former Secretary of the Vermont Agency of

Transportation and former Vermont house member, Minter favors pursuing “a regional strategy for carbon reduction by expanding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to include transportation fuels...Proceeds from the new program will be invested in public

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transit, rail service, and building more plug-in vehicle infrastructure here in Vermont.” -- sueminter.com, Protecting Our Environment, 2016 31 Minter was a founder of the TCI initiative. She is likely one of the strongest possible supporters for the initiative.

There are also two major candidates for the Republican nomination:

Philip Scott: As the current Lieutenant Governor of Vermont with high approval ratings, Scott is the likely candidate for the Republican nomination. He endorsed Marco Rubio-- a climate denier-- for president and would likely not support an expansion of climate action.

Bruce Lisman: A retired Wall Street executive with deep pockets,

Lisman favors a moratorium on renewable energy expansion in Vermont and wants to expand the state’s natural gas industry. Lisman would likely not support an expansion of climate action.

Political Climate With a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in the house and senate, the political climate in Vermont is very progressive. The state has a reputation as being one of the most aggressively progressive states in the country, and Governor Schumlin’s tenure is no exception. For the remainder of Governor Schumlin’s tenure, more climate progress is completely feasible.


“We will not join the others in the denial, in the pretend, in the ‘let business happen as usual,’ because our kids and our grandkids mean more to us than our own greed,” Governor Shumlin (D) said in 2011. “And we’re going to get off oil and move forward as quickly as we know how.” Governor Shumlin has worked to expand solar net metering, signed into law the nation’s first ban on fracking, and has openly stated his opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline.” --Think Progress, The Climate Guide to Governors, Jan 26, 2015 1


Policies: 2006 Act No. 168 (S.259); 2011 Comprehensive Energy Plan Targets:

50% below 1990 by 2028, 75% below 1990 by 2050 Renewables to account for 90% of energy use by 2050 Under 2 MOU (2015) 35-45% below 1990 by 2030 (NEG/ECP Resolution 39-1 (2015))

RGGI? Yes.

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Signed Under 2 MOU-- Oct 2015 Worldwide agreement between state, regional, and other sub-national levels of government to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius by reducing GHG emissions 80-95% below 1990 levels before 2050 Signatory of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future-- Feb 2016 Pledged to promote clean energy resources, clean energy transport systems, and modernize the electricity grid along with 17 other governors. Shumlin’s 2016 energy plan for Vermont sets the following targets:

By 2025, 25% of the state’s energy must be generated from renewables (by 2035 this must be 40%, by 2050 90%)

By 2025 reduce total energy consumption (per capita) by 15% (and more than a third by 2050)

Signed comprehensive energy reform bill H.40- June 2015 Requires that:

By 2017 55% of all energy sales made by power utilities must be generated from renewables

By 2032 75% of all energy sales made by power utilities must be generated from renewables

By 2032 distributed renewable energy generation must provide 10% of the state’s energy


Yearly transportation infrastructure budget hovers around $650 million. Mainly used for bridges, paving, town highway programs. Vermont has significant infrastructure challenges. Roughly one quarter of the state’s highway bridges are more than 70 years old.


Vermont has more clean energy sector workers than any other state (on a per capita basis). “Protecting our open lands is a solemn responsibility to our children and future generations of Vermonters, [including] making the move to a sustainable, local agricultural economy.” -- schumlinforgovernor.com 7

Gas tax VT has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes in response to the price of motor fuel. VT total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 30.46 cents per gallon-- the 21st highest in the nation (including DC).

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Washington D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser

Party Democrat

Election year 2014

Up for reelection 2018

Political Climate With a Democratic mayor and a Democratic supermajority city council, D.C. has a progressive political climate. The city has taken aggressive steps to meet impressive climate goals and Mayor Bowser, incumbent since 2015, seems happy to keep the pace. While Bowser is in office it is likely D.C. will remain committed to strong climate action.


Mayor Bowser said this of the 2015 Paris Climate Accords: “I am hopeful that this agreement will move the world toward a more sustainable future. The District of Columbia is proud to be one of the first cities to attain compliance with the international Compact of Mayors. And as our nation’s capital, we will continue to lead in green energy and sustainable practices. By taking bold and concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we will improve the long-term health of our community, while creating good paying jobs that build pathways to the middle class for our residents.”-- Mayor Muriel Bowser, mayor.dc.gov, Mayor Bowser Applauds Historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, December 12, 2015 26

RGGI? N/A

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Mayor Bowser has signed and attained compliance with the Compact of Mayors-- a global coalition of city leaders agreeing to pursue climate action In 2012, Washington D.C. announced it’s Sustainable DC initiative. Since then the city has taken aggressive measures to enhance its sustainability and lower its carbon footprint such as:

Having more LEED certified buildings than any other US city (as of 2015)

Enforcing a green construction code throughout the city Committing to reduce their GHG emissions by 50% before 2032 Exploring the possibility of starting a DC green bank

Mayor Bowser is eager to keep the Sustainable DC initiative strong. Of her commitment she has said: “Sustainability is one of those words that evokes different things to different people. So, I’ll tell you what sustainability means to me... Sustainability means a stronger economy with more opportunities for good-paying jobs. Sustainability means healthier neighborhoods with safe places to be active outside and better access to healthy food. Sustainability also means having more efficient homes that help keep our utility bills lower. Those are things every District resident can get behind.” -- Mayor Muriel Bowser, sustainabledc.org, Sustainable DC Second Year Progress Report, April 2015 27

Infrastructure & Transportation In 2016 the ASCE gave Washington DC’s infrastructure a C- rating, which

is described as “mediocre” by the society. The report stated that the DC DOT would need four times its current budget to fix its infrastructure problems. Additionally, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments found cause for a $58 billion infrastructure-funding gap in a recent report.

So far, Mayor Bowser seems only to have prioritized improving infrastructure as a way to minimize transportation related fatalities and reducing inequality, namely with her Vision Zero Initiative. Read more about it here: http://ddot.dc.gov/page/vision-zero-initiative


Former Mayor of DC Vincent Gray signed seven complementary energy/environmental laws into effect along with the announcement of the Sustainable DC initiative.

Gas tax DC has a variable rate gasoline tax that changes automatically in response to the price of motor fuel. DC total gas tax (state tax + other state fees) is currently 23.5 cents per gallon-- the 34th highest in the nation (including DC).

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References

1 http://thinkprogress.org/the-2015-climate-guide-to-governors/ 2 http://www.mass.gov/eea/air-water-climate-change/climate-change/massachusetts-global-warming-solutions-act/ 3 http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/gov-baker-joins-governors-accord-for-new-energy-future.html 4 http://www.politico.com/states/massachusetts/story/2015/12/baker-links-the-future-of-massachusetts-infrastructure-to-his-own-029370#ixzz4DessG6IR 5 http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/on_earth day_environmental_gro.html#comments

6 http://maggiehassan.com/priority/energy-environment/ 7 shumlinforgovernor.com, "Issues", Nov 2, 2010 8 http://bangordailynews.com/2015/01/12/politics/lepage-to-unveil-2-billion-three-year-work-plan-for-maine-transportation-projects/ 9 http://www.lcv.org/elections/dirty-dozen/2014/2014.html 10 http://www.lcv.org/elections/dirty-dozen/2014/paul-lepage.html 11 http://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/20/opinion/contributors/lepage-has-undermined-environmental-protection-thwarted-economic-opportunity/ 12 http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-malloy-transportation-plan-0218-20150218-story.html 13 http://www.ri.gov/press/view/25704 14 http://www.browndailyherald.com/2015/04/07/long-road-ahead-for-r-i-infrastructure/ 15 http://ripr.org/post/raimondo-unveils-11-billion-infrastructure-improvement-plan 16 http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/New-Jerseys-Solar-Resurrection-Bill-Passes 17 http://www.acore.org/files/pdfs/states/NewJersey.pdf 18

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/07/nj_infrastructure_problems_road_water_sewage_funding.html 19 http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/01/advocacy_group_gives_gov_chris.html 20 http://www.governorsnewenergyfuture.org/news/ 21 http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/delaware/79008-markell-on-infrastructure-needs-marijuana-and-more-video 22 http://www.governorsnewenergyfuture.org/news/ 23 http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-overview/ 24 http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7789062-74/federal-funding-pennsylvania 25 http://governor.maryland.gov/2015/06/25/governor-larry-hogan-announces-1-97-billion-in-transportation-funding/ 26 http://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-applauds-historic-paris-agreement-climate-change 27 http://www.sustainabledc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sustainable-DC-Progress-Report-April-2015.pdf 28 http://doee.dc.gov/release/mayor-vincent-c-gray-signs-sustainable-dc-act 29 http://archive.alleghenyfront.org/story/pa-governor-candidates-co2-cap-and-trade.html 30 http://www.mattdunne.com/energy-enviroment/ 31 http://www.sueminter.com/issues/protecting-our-environment 32https://ballotpedia.org/Vermont_gubernatorial_election,_2016 33https://ballotpedia.org/New_Hampshire_gubernatorial_election,_2016

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34http://nhlabornews.com/2016/04/where-do-nhs-gubernatorial-candidates-stand-on-climate-change/ 35 http://www.stevemarchand.com/infrastructure 36 https://ballotpedia.org/Delaware_gubernatorial_election,_2016 37 http://delawarestatenews.net/opinion/14021/ 38 http://colin2016.com/ 39 http://www.greendel.org/2013/11/14/just-how-disgusting-can-the-markell-administration-get-is-there-any-bottom/ 40 http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/Documents/2016-2019-DNREC-Capital-Plan.pdf 41 http://www.pennaeps.com/aboutaeps/ 42 http://www.ri.gov/press/view/25443 43 http://www.ecori.org/government/2016/2/7/govs-proposed-budget-includes-environmental-support