Splitting the Ranks? Divergent Impacts of Business and Political-Ideological Drivers of U.S. Communities’ Climate Policy

• In Event: Capital, Communities, and Climate: How Local and Corporate Actors Shape Environmental Futures

Abstract

Local business entities in the United States have generally been wary of environmental regulations and policy. They express concern that environmental policy interferes with and stymies economic growth. Over the years, these entities have worked with conservatives/Republicans to scuttle or influence environmental policy. However, as the social and economic costs of the climate crisis increasingly mount, could this position and associated response be different than past research suggests? This study investigates how the involvement of local business entities in localities’ governance is related to the implementation of climate policy measures. Using unique primary data collected for more than 1,000 counties across the United States, we find strong evidence of business supporting several climate policy measures; involvements of utility companies, owners of industrial and commercial real estate, and businesses selling to the local market are each associated positively with one or more of the policies analyzed. Nevertheless, some divergence in the stances of business entities remain. While involvement of utility companies increases the chances that localities leaning conservative will implement some of the policies, involvement of the Chamber of Commerce is associated with the opposite outcome. The study also finds substantial evidence of conservative-oriented counties remaining resistant to climate policy.

Authors

• Linda Lobao, The Ohio State University

• Lazarus Adua, University of Utah