State Climate Leadership

While the news on climate action at the federal level seems rather disappointing, a number of states are taking some notable steps. This morning's google alert highlighted steps taken in Vermont, New York, and Maryland:

Hundreds of people gathered in Randolph, Vermont Monday to discuss the state’s “climate economy.” Attendees considered how to advance the state’s economy in the midst of climate change. About a year ago, the Vermont Council on Rural Development formed the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council which recently completed an action plan: Progress for Vermont: Report and Action Plan of the VT Climate Change Economy Council. (reported by WAMC, Northeast Public Radio)

Meanwhile, "Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin made an appeal on Tuesday to the board that oversees the state’s public retirement funds to shed investments in coal companies and the oil giant Exxon Mobil in an effort to combat climate change." (reported by Washington Times)

New York and Maryland also explored actions against Exxon...

New York state's comptroller and four other Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) shareholders asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week to force the oil producer to include a climate change resolution in its annual shareholder proxy, according to a filing seen by Reuters. (reported by Reuters)

In response to a petition calling for an investigation of ExxonMobil, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh said his office will "hold accountable any individuals and corporations who have intentionally contributed" to climate change. (reported by InsideClimate News)

Maybe bottom-up leadership can be a more powerful change agent?