Global Warming
There is now scientific consensus that global warming is a serious and ever worsening issue that demands serious attention. Indicators include the fact that 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year on record and, as of late January 2011, the warm temperatures in the northern Atlantic are unprecedented in recorded history. Cap-and-trade programs have proven successful where implemented, including in the European Union and the northeastern United States. The EPA also has the authority, under the Clean Air Act, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Commentary
Cry Wolf Quotes
Everybody agrees that carbon limits will force up electricity prices steadily far into the future. The disagreement is over how much the costs will go up….That is unnerving for Massachusetts, which now has the nation's highest electric power bills. However, the bigger impact could be on the cost to industries that threatens the loss of jobs.
If we take this route, we would eventually have the tools to cut carbon emissions, instead of misguided near-term initiatives like RGGI where an attempt to meet even the modest targets will only disrupt energy markets at great cost to consumers and the economy as whole. Programs to curb other GHGs can proceed such as measures to reduce methane releases from coal mines, but it is absurd to impose any meaningful limits on carbon emissions when so much of our energy comes from coal.
While the states signing on the dotted line will trumpet this proposal, the economic reality ... ought to be a bucket of icy cold New England water. [Now consumers will be] paying even higher prices.
In order for the [CO2] emissions reductions to be reached that are required under the Act, energy prices have to go up. Gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity… otherwise it won’t change consumer behavior.
Related Laws and Rules
- American Clean Energy and Security Act
- American Power Act of 2010
- Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
- European Union Emissions Trading Scheme
- Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
- Kyoto Treaty
- Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
- Western Climate Initiative
Evidence
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Blind Spot: The Big Three's Attack on the Global Warming Treaty
eleased during the controversy over the Kyoto Treaty, this study is a serious policy paper, exploring the intersections between transit policy and global warming. It fairly establishes the Big Three have as long history of stubborn obstructionism. (They don't like anyone telling them what to do.)
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RGGI Saves Money, Jobs
America's only functioning carbon cap-and-trade program is a job generator.
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The Economic Impact of RGGI On Massachusetts
Electricity costs in Massachusetts have fallen since the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program.
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RGGI Works--And It Isn't Bad For Business
How America's sole carbon cap-and-trade program really works.
Backgrounders & Briefs
Economic Effect of Cap-and-Trade on Europe is "Imperceptible"
European Emissions Trading Scheme is a succesful carbon cap-and-trade system that has had an "imperceptible” negative impact on the European economy.
Resources
Blue Green Alliance is an alliance of labor and environmental organizations.
Green for All is a leading environmental oranization focused on creating green jobs for low-income communities and people of color.
Department of Energy alum Joe Romm runs Climate Progress out of the Center For American Progress.
