Press Release

New Report: A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition

A series of recommendations on how AGs can facilitate a just transition with a discussion to follow on December 15

New York, NY — A new report offers insights into a role for state attorneys general (AGs) in facilitating a more just transition. Issued by the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center and the State and Local Enforcement Project at the Harvard Labor and Worklife Program, the report considers how state AGs can help ensure that the shift to renewable energy supports communities and leads to good climate jobs.

As the United States shifts toward cleaner technologies and away from fossil fuels, important questions arise about the impact of this transition on workers. How can we ensure that the transition leads to high-quality jobs in emerging clean energy industries, that workers in fossil fuel industries are treated fairly, and that the benefits of the transition are equitable? A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition explores these issues. The report:

  • Provides insight into the role of AGs;
  • Highlights recent AG enforcement of workers’ rights and environmental protection; and
  • Offers additional ideas for what AGs can do in relation to a just transition.

Interested in learning more? Join us on Thursday, December 15 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET for a virtual discussion about the report, including remarks from labor and environmental experts, an overview of the report, a moderated discussion, and an audience Q&A. RSVP for the event here.

“At a time when the economy is changing so significantly, collaboration and communication across the environmental and workers’ rights movements, including with workers and affected communities, is more important than ever.” said Bethany Davis Noll, Executive Director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law. “With their many and varied tools, and labor and environmental expertise, attorneys general can take (and have taken) actions that are crucial to supporting that collaboration and, as a result, a more just transition.”

“The shift to renewable energy is a generational opportunity to create good climate jobs. During this transitional moment, state attorneys general can help ensure that employers in this emerging industry respect workers’ rights and avoid low-road exploitative practices,” said Terri Gerstein, Director of the State and Local Enforcement Project at the Harvard Law School Labor and Worklife Program.

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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.

About The State and Local Enforcement Project:
The State and Local Enforcement Project at the Harvard Labor and Worklife Program researches and helps support state and local enforcement of worker protection laws. The Labor & Worklife Program is Harvard University’s center for research, teaching and creative problem solving related to the world of work and its implications for society. Located at Harvard Law School, LWP brings together scholars, students, practitioners, community members and policy experts from a variety of disciplines.