FCCP and EDF Develop State Policy Tracking Project Focused on Forests and the Climate
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EmailIn partnership with EDF, FCCP is tracking and analyzing a range of state-level programs and policies that could contribute to or detract from forests as a climate solution.
With funding and support from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Michigan State University Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP) has launched a state policy tracking project focused on forestry-based natural climate solutions. The project will serve as an in-demand resource for researchers, policymakers, and myriad forest stakeholders on the diffusion of forest carbon and climate policies. Topics include carbon offsetting, climate-smart forestry, and related production, conservation, and land use planning activities.
U.S. states are increasingly undertaking state- and regional-level climate initiatives (including compliance carbon markets, US Climate Alliance participation, and carbon inventorying and monitoring). State and local governments have also implemented programs and policies that may have a climate benefit but are not labeled as “climate” policies (e.g., offset trading programs). As one of the most important natural climate solutions, forests are becoming increasingly integral to state climate plans.
This initiative will provide a unique value to climate efforts focused on forestry-based natural climate solutions by facilitating:
- Foundational analysis of existing policy and program motivations, feasibility, and effectiveness
- Peer learning between state actors by identifying state-level initiatives, including aims, structures, and functions of different mechanisms
- Stronger understanding of leverage points for natural and working land (NWL) interventions
- Informed decision-making at the federal, state, and sub-state levels
- Increased “climate-smart” policy dissemination and implementation
- Possible identification of “model” policies
To achieve this, FCCP is producing a comprehensive database, dynamic and interactive maps, and white papers that will allow users to explore policies in detail. Policy descriptions, forest and carbon implications, and links to further sources will be accessible through interactive features embedded in the maps.
White papers, detailing policy themes and trends for a wide range of subjects, are under development. Examples include in-depth reviews of forest property tax structures, carbon markets, forest best management practices (BMPs), and cost-share programs.
The collaborators and team for this project include Lauren Cooper (FCCP), Kylie Clay (FCCP), Graham Diedrich (FCCP), and Eric Holst (EDF).
