States are taking many different approaches to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and increasing their use of clean energy. The steps below provide a general framework that states can consider when deciding the best approach for addressing their own climate change risks and reducing state greenhouse gas emissions.

States may approach these steps in any order depending on their needs and goals. EPA has resources available to support states at every step.

1. Learn about the risks of climate change and how your state can adapt.
2. Engage stakeholders and support intra-state collaboration by facilitating coordination among state agencies to discuss goals, identify priorities for action, and report on progress. Involving multiple state agencies and stakeholders can result in leveraging of resources to achieve goals more quickly and with fewer resources.
3. Learn about EPA's Clean Power Plan for existing power plants.
4. Understand the past and projected GHG emissions and electricity supply and demand for your state.
5. Identify climate and clean energy policy and program options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.
6. Analyze the potential impacts of climate and clean energy policies and choose the ones that best meet your goals and priorities.
7. Design and implement programs to maximize benefits and achieve program goals.
8. Monitor and evaluate progress to determine impacts of programs and policies and to communicate benefits.
9. Subscribe to EPA's State Climate and Energy Program newsletters, and listen to State Climate and Energy Webinars.