California Dreaming…

Progress on climate policy in the US has been, for the most part, driven by the actions of sub-state actors. Most prominent amongst this bunch is the state of California,  so much so that it is the source of the so-called “California Effect” – a term coined by UC Berkeley professor David Vogel to capture the positive learning/emulation effects of progressive regulation. In essence, Vogel is pointing out a “race to the top” dynamic in which states compete with one another in an attempt to create competitive advantage, gain first-mover advantages, and enhance their reputation.

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The US Supreme Court and American Politics

There is a great post by NYU legal/constitutional scholar Ron Dworkin that quickly dissects the likely impact of the recent US Supreme Court Decision (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission) –  opening up the floodgates of highly focused corporate spending at election time.

Can’t help but think that this is disastrous for domestic policy reform whether related to health care, climate change, education, or criminal justice. Oil and Gas interest groups spent record amounts last year in the US, and these numbers will likely be obliterated in the upcoming year (mid-term Congressional elections in November will be a very interesting test case for the impact of the USSC decision).

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