Helping States Turn Climate Commitments Into Law
Bold climate commitments only matter if they can withstand political and legal attacks, especially under a hostile federal administration. In this session, we will unpack drafting strategies, model frameworks, and ready-made legislative solutions for states to act with confidence.
The Model Climate Laws Initiative – a new joint project of Environmental Advocates NY and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School – works to advance state-level climate policy nationwide. At this challenging time, given the misguided actions of the federal Administration, the Initiative provides draft legislation, legal analysis, implementation support, and other legal resources to state lawmakers, agencies, advocates, and other stakeholders.
After hearing about the importance of state-level climate action from policy leaders at the morning session, stay after lunch to learn more about the Initiative and how it is helping states turn policy ideas into implementable laws. Hear from the Initiative’s new Executive Director and other experts about creating the strong legal architecture necessary to respond to federal action and other challenges of the moment.
We will discuss drafting climate laws that are enforceable and resilient to legal challenge, as well as adaptable to suit the needs of individual jurisdictions. From the proposed revocation of the Endangerment Finding and vehicle waivers, to the enactment of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the federal government’s move backwards is creating a plethora of opportunities for states to fill legal gaps and address the changing climate.
Speakers:
Michael Gerrard, Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School
Jon Binder, Executive Director at the Model Climate Laws Initiative
Richard Horsch, Lecturer, Columbia Law School; former Coordinator of Drafting, Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization Model Laws Project
Joe DiMona, Outreach Coordinator, Model Climate Laws Initiative