| July 27, 2010 |  |
Western Climate Initiative Carbon Market Plan Shows States Are Again Leading the Way
Statement by Erin Rogers, Union of Concerned Scientists
BERKELEY, Calif. (July 27, 2010) -- The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) today released a detailed plan moving a regional carbon market one step closer to reality. The WCI is comprised of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces that have developed a comprehensive strategy for reducing global warming pollution 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, including a regional carbon market set to begin in 2012.
Below is a statement by Erin Rogers, manager of the Western States Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“The detailed plan for a regional carbon market released today by the Western Climate Initiative reminds us that states—and provinces—are ready, willing and able to lead the way to a clean energy economy in the absence of federal leadership.
“This plan has been in the works for many months, but the timing of its release coincides with frustrating news that the chances of the U.S. Senate passing a comprehensive climate and energy bill this session are slim.
“Given the gridlock on Capitol Hill, WCI’s announcement comes as good news. The WCI has now established specific, uniform standards for the states and provinces participating in this cross-border effort by, for example, spelling out the mechanics of how WCI will run a joint auction for carbon allowances, and setting requirements for uniform emissions reporting and compliance tracking. All in all, it represents a major step toward a clean energy future that can provide tremendous economic, health and environmental benefits.
“If every state and regional statute, executive order, and climate program across the country is implemented, we can make significant progress toward meeting our national global-warming pollution-reduction obligation. But state and regional action alone is not enough. Members of Congress, especially those from the seven states in the Western Climate Initiative, should follow the WCI’s example and pass a comprehensive national clean energy and climate plan.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
