The utility of planning mandates for climate action plans in the United States: lessons from a multi-jurisdictional study

This study analyzes data from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Priority Climate Action Plan Directory to understand whether plan weaknesses in climate action plan (CAP) literature are addressed in the plans submitted by states, metropolitan statistical areas, and tribes and territories to the agency. Analysis reveals that planning mandates backed by funding and technical assistance consistently addressed CAP weaknesses – particularly, limited attention to equity and co-benefits. Although data limitations and predominance of mitigation actions persist, findings suggest that comprehensive planning mandates with dedicated funding and technical assistance can enable jurisdictions to address plan weaknesses and drive equitable climate action planning.