ABSTRACT
This entry focuses on evidence indicating that a positive relationship may exist between the adoption of sustainability as a local goal and the rates of local energy policy adoption in Sunbelt cities. The evidence suggests that policies responding to energy and environmental issues may provide long-term solutions to achieving urban sustainability. The fundamental question becomes “What evidence is there that cities with sustainability as a stated goal have higher rates of local energy policy adoption?” In this entry, it is asserted that cities with sustainability as a local goal are more likely to adopt certain energy-related policies. It is also determined that there is variability in the implementation of energy-related policies in Sunbelt cities. The author concludes that Sunbelt cities with sustainability as an urban goal have higher rates of energy policy adoption when the three selected policies are studied as indicators.
