ANN ARBOR—Barry Rabe, a University of Michigan professor who was the first to document and analyze how and why U.S. states are taking the lead on climate protection, has won the prestigious U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Protection Award.

Rabe is a professor of public policy in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and School of Natural Resources and Environment. According to the award citation, Rabe’s” research, publications, speeches and one-on-one interactions guide and inspire states to select successful climate protection strategies that build prosperity while protecting the environment for future generations.”

“The University of Michigan is deeply committed to advancing environmental sustainability, and is proud to have had two faculty members receive the EPA’s prestigious Climate Protection Award” Barry Rabe in 2006 and Rosina Bierbaum in 1999,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. Bierbaum is dean of SNRE.

Rabe, a political scientist who joined the U-M faculty in 1985 and formerly directed the University’s Program in the Environment, has documented how states from all regions of the United States have pursued cost-effective strategies that lower their climate impact. As a result of his work, politicians and the public know how states can combat climate change. Rabe’s publications on this topic include the 2004 book, Statehouse and Greenhouse (Brookings Institution Press), which won the 2005 Lynton Keith Caldwell Award from the American Political Science Association.

He continues to pursue research on the evolution of renewable portfolio standards; regional strategies to build a system for trading carbon credits; policy differences between U.S. states and Canadian provinces; and prospects for further U.S.” Canadian collaboration on climate change.

Rabe, of Plymouth, Mich., was one of 23 individuals, organizations and companies worldwide that the EPA recognized for their efforts to protect the Earth’s climate and stratospheric ozone layer.

“It is a great honor to be included in such distinguished company,” said Rabe, whose interest in climate change began seven years ago when he wondered if states might play some role in greenhouse gas reduction, either in policy development or policy implementation.

Other individuals to win the Climate Protection Award were Seattle Mayor Gregory J. Nickels and Susan J. Brown, California Energy Commission, Sacramento, Calif.

“This year’s Climate Protection Award winners have set impressive goals, employed innovative approaches and demonstrated what can be achieved in the interest of protecting our climate,” said William Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.” We congratulate Dr. Rabe on his outstanding achievements.”

Natural Resources & EnvironmentPublic PolicyMore about Prof. RabeMore about the EPA Climate Protection Award