CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Nekookar, Brandon |
|---|---|
| Title | Impact of State-Specific Green Energy Policies on Renewable Energy Adoption: A Comparative Analysis of New York, California, and Texas |
| Summary | This thesis examines the renewable energy policy frameworks of New York, Texas, and California, each of which has adopted diverse and influential approaches to promoting renewable energy. By analyzing the legislative and regulatory mechanisms implemented in these states, this study uncovers the effectiveness and interplay of different policy instruments in driving renewable energy adoption. The hypothesis posited that states with a combination of stringent regulatory frameworks and substantial financial incentives would demonstrate higher rates of renewable energy adoption. Findings revealed that New York's CLCPA and CES, California's RPS and cap-and-trade program, and Texas's tax incentives and REC trading program have all significantly driven renewable energy growth, albeit through different mechanisms. These results suggest that while comprehensive policy frameworks integrating regulatory measures with financial incentives are highly effective, market-driven approaches can also yield significant renewable energy growth, particularly when supported by favorable conditions. This thesis employs Agency Theory and Institutional Theory to understand the observed policy outcomes. Through qualitative content analysis and comparative case study methodology, it identifies key themes and trends in renewable energy policy implementation, offering insights into the effectiveness of various strategies and the broader implications for state-level energy transitions. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on renewable energy policy effectiveness, offering practical recommendations for policymakers aiming to enhance renewable energy adoption and support the United States' transition to a carbon-free future. |
| Supervisor | Batory, Agnes; Karagiannis, Yannis |
| Department | Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/nekookar_brandon.pdf |
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