MODEL BILLS

Climate Change Impact Assessment Act

Summary: The Climate Change Impact Assessment Act creates a commission to study the direct effects of global climate change on the [state’s/city’s] economy and natural resources.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be called the “Climate Change Impact Assessment Act.”

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

(A) FINDINGS—The [legislature/council] finds that:

1. Over the past 50 years, global temperatures have increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. It is well-accepted by scientists that human activities are responsible for this climate change.

2. Climate change causes damage of many kinds: wildfires, droughts, flooding and more destructive hurricanes.

3. If unchecked, climate change will create or worsen natural disasters within the state.

4. It is only prudent for the [state/city] to study and create a plan to mitigate negative effects of climate change, address economic impacts, and help save lives, protect public health, preserve natural resources, and protect valuable infrastructure.

(B) PURPOSE—This law is enacted to study the impact of climate change on the health, safety and welfare of [state/city] residents.

SECTION 3. STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION

1. There is established a Climate Change Impact Assessment Commission.

2. The commission shall consist of 11 members as follows:

[a. Two senators appointed by the President of the Senate.

b. Two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

c. Seven public members appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives including at least one member with expertise in climatology, one member who is knowledgeable about [State’s] economy, one member who is knowledgeable in the area of land management or maintenance of natural resources, and one member who represents tourism industries.]

3. The public members of the commission may receive compensation for per diem or reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred in serving on the commission.

[4. The House and Senate [Environmental Resources] Committees shall assign committee staff to provide support services for the commission.]

5. As part of its study, the commission shall conduct a series of hearings [around the state].

(B) NATURE OF THE STUDY—The study shall include:

1. An assessment of the current and potential effects of climate change trends on the citizens, natural resources, public health, and economy of the state.

2. An estimate of the costs to the state and its citizens of adverse effects associated with climate change.

3. An examination of measures that might prevent or mitigate the effects of flooding, erosion, drought or wildfires that might be caused or worsened by climate change.

4. Recommendations for laws and regulations that may be warranted to minimize the adverse impacts of climate change.

(C) REPORT—The commission shall report the results of this study, including any legislative proposals on or before January 1, 20XX.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act shall take effect on July 1, 20XX.