Intergovernmental Relations and Energy Policy: What We Know and What We Still Need to Learn

Abstract

Although energy has become a key political issue in recent decades, a comprehensive national policy is lacking, and state and local governments are playing increasingly important and diverse roles. This essay reviews what we know about intergovernmental relations in energy policy, including overlaps between national, state, and local authorities; the character of intergovernmental interactions; and interstate variations. In sum, this essay illustrates why intergovernmental issues in energy policies are an interesting and important area of inquiry, reviews current scholarship in key areas, and suggests possible future avenues for research on this topic.