Does cross-sectoral policy sequencing exist?

Many authors argue that growing coalitions of pro-energy transition actors are driving policy change towards more stringent climate policies. The theorized underlying mechanism is that energy policies, such as renewable power support schemes, provide new material and ideational resources to ‘green’ actors, who form coalitions and push for further and more holistic climate policies, such as carbon pricing. This suggests that coalitions broaden their support for mitigation policies beyond energy to further sectors. However, there is as of yet little empirical research on cross-sectoral policy sequencing and when it emerges. Using an original dataset on policy change since 2000, we explore environmental policy interventions in the transportation and energy sectors in European countries. We explore whether policies from these sectors influence each other’s ambition, and whether policies emerge that address both energy and transport. We find evidence for policy layering wherein environmental interventions increase in both sectors, but find little evidence of policy sequencing across sectors. We therefore conclude that so far, policy sequencing is sector-specific, rejecting the hypothesis of cross-sectoral sequencing.