Party differences and energy reform: fiscal conservatism in the California legislature

Abstract

Research building on political economy and ecological modernisation theories has paid increasing attention to the conditions that affect the prospects for environmental reform. Much work focuses on variation among political units in support of a single type of energy policy, whereas we examine within-state variation in support of a wide range of energy reform policies. Applying multilevel analyses to the 2011–2012 legislative session in California, we identify bill characteristics associated with divisions between Republicans and Democrats. Expanding the size or scope of government (through spending, government commissions, and business regulations) reduces support for energy reform among Republicans, whereas promoting transparency and other ‘good government’ initiatives reduces support among Democrats. In contrast with the standard view that Republicans oppose almost all energy reforms proposed by Democrats, we identify bill characteristics that increase the likelihood of support from both parties, namely tax reductions and credits, including for bills that promote renewable energy.

Keywords:

• renewable energy
• energy efficiency
• political parties
• legislation
• state government
• California

Acknowledgements

This project is partially supported by the US National Science Foundation, ‘Conditions Favoring Consensus in State-Level Energy Policy’, Science and Technology Studies Program, National Science Foundation, SES-1329310. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Notes

1. Organisations that track industry contributions tend to use the term ‘alternative’ energy as a slightly broader category than renewable energy, but most of the donations were from organisations associated with renewable energy.