The 2024 presidential election has the potential to significantly alter U.S. energy policy, with everything from traditional oil and gas production to tax credits for clean hydrogen and electric vehicles potentially impacted by Tuesday’s outcome.
The presidential race is gathering the most attention but there are some state-level initiatives worth watching as well:
- California Proposition 4 would allow the state to issue $10 billion in bonds to fund a wide range of climate-related projects and initiatives. If passed, it could boost investment in clean energy infrastructure.
- South Dakota Referred Law 21 would allow counties to impose a $1/foot surcharge on carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines, which would go toward property tax relief for landowners whose property a pipeline crosses. It would also set requirements for CO2 pipelines, such as minimum installation depths and operator liability for damage and leaks. (The measures were passed as part of state Senate Bill 201 and signed into law, but opponents were able to gather enough signatures to put it on the ballot.)
- Washington Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, which sets a cap on emissions in the state and requires businesses to obtain allowances equal to their covered greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Washington Initiative 2066 would require utilities to provide gas service to any customer requesting it and prohibit rate plans that incentivize or require the termination of gas services. It would also repeal certain electrification planning requirements and eliminate bans on gas rebates and incentives.
