Democrats in state legislatures have seen this play before and will remain the firewall against Trump’s reckless agenda
WASHINGTON — As Trump withdraws the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, his abdication of leadership pushes state legislatures to the frontlines of protecting the environment and combating the climate crisis. With state Democrats holding legislative majorities overseeing nearly half of the economy, there’s no time to waste and Democrats are making meaningful progress.
In the 2025 legislative sessions, Democrats have already demonstrated they are ready for the challenge ahead and will fight to keep making progress:
- New York Democrats introduced bills to impose new environmental standards on data centers and protect against utility shutoffs during extreme weather.
- Bills introduced by Democrats in Maryland would end public subsidies for trash incineration to boost funds for clean energy initiatives, require the Department of Transportation to better account for projects’ impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, and create a climate superfund to require fossil fuel companies to pay to help fight the effects of climate change.
- New Jersey Democrats are also eyeing a similar measure that holds fossil fuel producers accountable and creates a climate superfund to fight climate change.
- The very first bill filed in Maine this year would strengthen the state’s storm preparedness in light of climate change, which even earned bipartisan support.
- A constitutional amendment that would protect people’s right to clear air and water, a safe climate, and a healthy environment could go before voters if passed in New Mexico this year. Democrats also introduced a bill that would prohibit new emissions in counties with high ozone concentrations.
Democrats in state legislatures have been ready for this – when Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord and dismantled rules creating clean power generation during his first term, state Democrats sprung into action. Virginia, Nevada, and Washington Democrats passed laws to achieve 100% carbon-free power. Colorado Democrats passed a slew of climate and energy bills, Maine Democrats solidified their commitment to 100% renewable energy, and New York Democrats adopted a massive offshore wind agreement and legislation to protect workers during the transition to green energy.
During the Biden administration, state Democrats went beyond federal protections. In recent years, Democratic majorities in Michigan and Minnesota joined the movement to mandate the generation of carbon-free energy on various timelines from 2040.
Last year’s Supreme Court decision striking down Chevron deference—a legal principle that since the 1980s empowered federal agencies like the EPA to interpret and administer laws—has endangered progress on critical issues such as climate change and sharply underscored the power of state legislatures. The DLCC’s mission is to build Democratic power in state legislatures, which is the best way to advance strong climate policy and block existential attacks on our environment.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Again, state legislatures have been thrust to the frontlines of the fight to protect Americans from the single largest threat to humankind. The good news is Democrats in state legislatures are in a strong position and already hard at work in 2025 to advance legislation that protects the environment and addresses the threats of climate change. Democrats’ commitment to make progress will help protect families and lower costs associated with the impact of climate change. Democrats stood up to Trump’s attacks on our environment during his first term and his second term will be no different. Democratic power in the states can protect us from the denial and extremism the Trump administration exhibits on the issue of our very futures.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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