Democratic Gains Embolden State Lawmakers Eyeing Climate Action

Newly elected Democratic lawmakers are planning bolder climate action in states where their party wrested legislative majorities and governors’ mansions from Republicans.

Democrats took gubernatorial control in Maryland and Massachusetts, where incoming governors are set to carry out ambitious climate plans. In Michigan and Minnesota, new Democratic majorities aim to codify clean energy targets and fulfill other campaign goals on climate.

With divided government at the helm in Congress expected to bring new climate action to a halt, states will “play a crucial role” and “will once again be relied upon to keep climate and environmental action moving forward,” the ...