"The failure of climate legislation in the Senate last week is a blunt reminder of a basic truth, experts say: The nation's energy policies are historically driven by state and regional interests that will trump national agendas in all but the most compelling circumstances.

Without a national consensus on energy policy, the telling political forces come from states, based on how they relate to energy as producers or consumers, says historian and political analyst Bill Schneider."

Peter Behr and Christa Marshall report for ClimateWire July 26, 2010. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"California, New Mexico and 3 Canadian Provinces Outline Regional Cap-and-Trade Program" (Los Angeles Times) [3]