STATE ROLES IN THE GLOBAL CLIMATE-CHANGE ISSUE

Events in 1988 helped focus the attention of several states on the glo bal climate change issue. Consequently, the National Governors' Associ ation conducted an assessment in 1989 and recommended various actions. By 1994, 22 states have enacted laws or regulations and/or establishe d research programs addressing climate change. Most of these ''no regr ets'' actions are set up to conserve energy or improve energy efficien cy and also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Illinois has adopted a n even broader program by 1) establishing a Global Climate Change Offi ce to foster research and provide information and 2) forming a task fo rce to address a wide array of issues including state input to federal policies such as the Clinton administration's 1993 Climate Change Act ion Plan and to the research dimensions of the U.S. Global Climate Cha nge Research Program. The Illinois program calls for increased attenti on to studies of regional impacts, including integrated assessments, a nd to research addressing means to adapt to future climate change. The se various state efforts to date help show the direction of policy dev elopment and should be useful to those grappling with these issues.