GREEN CHAMBER: Legislation Evaluation Process

Following are questions we ask about any piece of legislation we review. Not all apply to every measure, bill, or initiative, but we at least consider all these factors to ensure a well-rounded view.

If we need a clearer sense of how legislation with pros and cons balances out, we score questions on a 10-point scale from -5 to +5. For example, a measure that provides excellent opportunities for green businesses would get 5 points, while one that takes them away would get -5. We typically do not take a position on measures that end up in the neutral zone.

What does this legislation do? (According to official text and analyses)

How does this legislation affect green businesses?

Does it create opportunities for green businesses?

Does it take away opportunities for green businesses?

Does it create barriers for green businesses?

Does it remove barriers for green businesses?

Will it create green/sustainable jobs?

How does this legislation affect the environment?

Could it improve or protect air quality, water resources, or ecosystems?

Could it harm these resources?

Does it create new environmental protections?

Does it reduce environmental protections?

Does it encourage responsible resource use?

Does it discourage responsible resource use?

What are the social equity effects of this legislation?

Does it distribute costs fairly?

Does it disproportionately burden disadvantaged populations?

Will it benefit environmentally disadvantaged areas?

Is it economically sustainable?

What are allied/peer/like-minded organizations’ positions on this legislation?

How would taking a position affect perceptions of the Green Chamber?