April 3, 2007
In This Edition: Climate Change, Terrorism, Prescription Drugs, Ethics Legislation and NCSL's Leaders' Guide
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research.
Climate Change Policy Experts Available
In the wake of Supreme Court's Monday decision that the Environmental Protection Agency can regulate automobile emissions linked to climate change, NCSL experts are available to discuss the implications for states. Many states are already putting in place their own emissions policies that are stricter than federal standards. The ruling in Massachusetts, et. al. v. EPA, et. al. gives more weight to a California policy that is currently being challenged by the automobile industry there. An article in the March 2007 issue of State Legislatures magazine discusses this case. Request a copy. the For more information, contact Glen Andersen at (303) 856-1341 or Kate Burke at (303) 856-1404.
States Consider Boycotting Countries That Sponsor Terrorism
Growing concern over genocide in Sudan and countries that sponsor terrorism has prompted state legislatures to consider limiting or eliminating state investments in firms doing business with such countries. Twenty-seven states are considering such legislation this session and many states passed laws in recent years. For details, go to State Divestment Legislation, or contact NCSL's labor and economic development experts Gerri Madrid-Davis at (202) 624-8670 or Diana Noel at (202) 624-7779.
New Trends in Prescription Drug Legislation
State legislatures are considering more than 500 pharmaceutical bills this session. Proposed policies cover a wide range of state-sponsored approaches, including creation of subsidy or discount programs, promotion of safer drugs and regulation of marketing and distribution of drugs. Find out more about the hot topics at the 2007 Prescription Drug State Legislation report. Or call pharmaceutical policy analysts Richard Cauchi at (303) 856-1367 or Karmen Hanson at (303) 856-1422.
Get NCSL's Guide to Leaders and Legislatures 2007
The popular directory is back with contact information for the nation's state legislative leaders and NCSL policy staff as well as current partisan composition and more. Ask for your free copy in an email to press-room@ncsl.org.
NCSL's Spring Forum meeting will be April 19-21 in Washington D.C. Search the agenda.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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