Interstate Communication Among State Legislators Regarding Energy Policy Innovation

This study, using survey data of legislators in six states, examines the prevalence of cross-state cue-taking. The findings regarding the sources of policy ideas are similar to those reported in studies of agency officials. Regionalism is most important, although a few states are recognized as national leaders. Support for innovative energy policies among state legislators was positively related to two variables: the extent to which one engaged in cue-taking and the degree to which the respondents were supportive of external communication. A comparison of the six states shows that extensive interstate communication is not a necessary condition for legislative support of innovative policies; an orientation supportive of external cue-taking is sufficient.