For out discussion of federalism in general and local governments specifically, the Texas Tribune reports that Dallas wants to be a be a zero waste city within 30 years. Being a Houstonian, I'm resisting adding a punchline. Austin declared a similar goal in 2008:
Houston has not passed a zero-waste plan, but city officials are also
re-evaluating how to deal with its trash. Laura Spanjian, the director
of Houston’s Office of Sustainability, said the city has already taken
steps similar to those in the Dallas plan, including expanding recycling
services and implementing mandatory yard waste composting and pilot
programs for business and multi-family unit recycling. It is also
exploring other green initiatives.
Waste disposal is just one of the exciting "many and undefined" powers of state and local governments.
Just to add to the multiple links I'm throwing your way here one to Houston’s Office of Sustainability. Being green is one of the incentives cities like Houston - with low hip quotients among the creative classes - use to make themselves more attractive.
