Home rule and environmentalism: the adoption of green initiatives in US municipalities

Abstract

This article examines the adoption of green initiatives among US municipalities. The author posits that home rule municipalities are more likely to embrace green initiatives than their non-home rule counterparts. Through analysis of an original data set of 50 municipalities, the author finds that the adoption of a home rule charter increases the likelihood of green initiative adoption within a municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the consideration of home rule status as an accurate environmental policy predictor needs further scholarly attention and may be a missing link regarding environmental policy adoption at the local government level.