PrintWho is developing our climate policy? It depends heavily on the scale of governance. For this discussion, we'll focus primarily on federal level energy policy - but keep in mind that similar networks exist at other scales. Let's take a look at the roles these groups play and how they work together.
Legislators
Our elected officials provide the voice for legislation as it works its way through its designated approval process. Here, we could be talking about a township adopting a resolution or state or federal representatives proposing a bill.
Executive Branch and the Executive Office of the President
Our Agencies can develop and implement types of policy. Usually, this relates to agency-specific topics and cover issues that do not require Congressional approval or authorization. Remember that legislators and Congress are but one of three branches of government; the Executive Branch, headed by the President, has its own set of powers and authorities. The Executive Order is a great example of Executive Branch-level policy.Special Interest Groups
Special interest groups are coalitions of people and organizations banded together by common beliefs on policy decisions. Working together, these groups have the power to inform and influence policy decisions through correspondence with legislators and their staff. While we often think only of the negative side of special interest groups, they do also serve an important role in keeping policymakers informed.
Consider This
Our elected officials vote on legislation and have influence over issues that govern all aspects of society, including health care, education, military strategy, financial reform, agriculture, climate change, energy policy, and all the other topics in between. They could not possibly be versed enough in all of these issues to enable them to make informed decisions about what policies are the most beneficial or efficient. It's simply too much to ask that our politicians somehow be expert in all issues. Instead, they rely on groups of experts to provide them with the information they need to make an informed and justified decision on policy design.
What we need to be mindful of when it comes to special interest groups is the financial power they often have over our elected officials. Large groups and corporations often provide significant campaign donations and often use that power to try to influence policymakers to prioritize their interests over the interests of the general public.
Scientists
The scientific community has an important role to play in the development of policy, especially with issues related to energy and the environment. Many scientists directly inform the president, through mechanisms that vary from administration to administration. Much advice comes from scientists and staff within the Executive Office of the President, which includes the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Scientists and researchers are also called on to testify at congressional hearings related to energy bills. For environmental and energy challenges, legislators usually rely on the scientific community to provide them with the basis for legislation must exist. At the local level, scientists still often provide an important voice to the validity of proposed measures. There are also scientists within the Federal agencies who can offer advice.
With regard to energy policy specifically, here are just a few of the issues on which the scientific community provides its expert opinions to policymakers:
- acceptable levels for criteria pollutants produced during the extraction, processing, and combustion of fossil fuels
- quantity of fuel reserves available for extraction
- safe levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere
- potential consequences of a warming climate due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations
- understanding uncertainty and unknowns associated with natural systems
- risks associated with the extraction of fossil fuels
- issues related to necessary infrastructure for new energy technologies
Private Citizens
Believe it or not, as a voter, your voice matters! Last week, we looked specifically at the role citizens play in climate policy decisions. It's important not only that you stay informed about the issues affecting your life, but that you voice your preferences for policies about them to your elected officials. Politicians want to stay in office, and that means keeping their constituents happy. Be a proactive and engaged citizen. Let your leadership know that you're paying attention.