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San Jose, CR
CARBON POLITICS IN THE US
September 28, 2011
©2011 Center For Environmental Innovation in Roofing, All Rights Reserved
Social and cultural change
Litigation
Obama “clean energy” agenda
Regional carbon markets
Voluntary initiatives
CARBON REDUCTION DRIVERS
©2011 Center For Environmental Innovation in Roofing, All Rights Reserved
Massachusetts v. EPA: 12 states sued EPA to force it regulate GHGs as air
pollutants
Supreme Court ordered EPA to determine if GHGs endanger public health and welfare
“Endangerment finding” issued in December 2009
EPA begins permitting requirements in January 2011
EPA GREENHOUSE GAS REGULATIONS
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Unparalleled investment and attention
Scrutiny of fossil fuel subsidies
“Win the Future” campaign 80% renewable energy by 2035
Increased investment in innovation
Tapping private capital markets
Better Building Initiative
OBAMA “CLEAN ENERGY” AGENDA
©2011 Center For Environmental Innovation in Roofing, All Rights Reserved
Chicago Climate Exchange
California cap-and-trade program
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – 10 Northeast & Mid-Atlantic states
Western Climate Initiative (WCI) 6 states and 4 Canadian provinces
Arizona withdrew in February 2011
REGIONAL CARBON MARKETS
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Economic downturn
Growing political opposition Climate skeptics have rebounded
2010 elections ensured GHG regulation difficult
Conflicting signals from government
Recent Obama Administration decisions September 27 delayed release of CAFÉ standards
Ozone rule withdrawn
CHALLENGES
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Significant shift since 2010 Republican victory
2012 elections will determine future of GHG regulations in the U.S.
Job creation will be #1 issue
Republicans currently hold upper hand
CURRENT POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
©2011 Center For Environmental Innovation in Roofing, All Rights Reserved
New focus on “austerity measures” and spending cuts
Rigorous oversight from House Republicans
Need to tie energy legislation to jobs and energy security
ENERGY POLICY ENVIRONMENT
©2011 Center For Environmental Innovation in Roofing, All Rights Reserved
30% Investment Tax Credit
Treasury Grant Program – Section 1603
DOE Loan Guarantee Program
Solyndra
RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES
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