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
Over the past ten months, the RGGI Cap & Trade scheme has been exposed as nothing less than a devious and deceptive tax. This is a program that has been stained by secrecy and open to exploitation by speculators looking to profiteer on the backs of ratepayers all while driving up electricity rates and contributing to the continued exodus of jobs and industry from our state.
We are striving to expose the fact that the cap-and-trade scheme is happening right now, that it is a threat to our economic future.
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.
[Companies covered by RGGI] will be placed at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis their non-RGGI competitors (domestic as well as international).
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.
