I read this an article that the AP released today. It’s pretty encouraging. Here’s a synopsis of it.
In Salem, OR, Seven western states are joining four Canadian provinces to propose a plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions through use of a “cap and trade” system. The draft plan was released by Oregon’s governer’s office and is aimed at gradually reducing carbon emissions across Oregon, Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Washington.
The plan, which also would extend to British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec in Canada, is keyed to a cap and trade system on utilities and industries that are major sources of greenhouse gases. This system is putting a pollution cap on business which operate within these sectors. Businesses that cannot cut their emmissions because of technology or cost will be allowed to buy credits from other businesses who have lowered theirs. The plan was drafted by the Western Climate Initiative, a group created by Kulongoski with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire in February 2007. A final proposal is expected to be forwarded to leaders of the seven states and four provinces in September.
Global Warming advisor, David Vanthof, said that congress is working on “cap and trade” legislation, but the western states and Canadian provinces don’t want to wait. There is no certainty that that is going to be achieved” in Congress, he said.”
One environmental advocate, Jeremiah Baumann, said the draft proposal is “an impressive and important step,” to address global warming on a regional basis, but said the plan is in need of some revision.
“While the draft plan begins the cap and trade system for utilities and industries by 2012, the plan doesn’t cover transportation and heating fuels until 2015 even though both are major sources of greenhouse gases,” Baumann said.
Baumann added, “There are a few significant problems that, if not fixed, mean the program could miss out on the potential for global warming solutions.”
I am glad that states are taking initiative to clean up the environment. I can’t wait to read an article like this about Georgia. Let’s keep it up!
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