California
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to join with Northeastern states
in an effort to control greenhouse gas emissions is a significant
milestone in the effort to address a compelling global problem.
Schwarzenegger announced an executive order Monday linking California
to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a seven-state, market-driven
cap and trade system for carbon dioxide emissions set to commence in
2009. New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Hampshire,
Vermont and Maine are all signatories.
The alliance of California, which by itself would have one of the
world's largest economies, with the bustling Northeast creates a much
larger and more robust pool of polluters to participate in the trading
program.
Under the program, power plants in participating states will be issued
a limited number of carbon credits, equal to the amount they are
allowed to emit.
Plants that exceed their limits must purchase additional credits to
cover the additional pollution. Those that produce less carbon can sell
their surplus allowances as credits.
The fact that two popular Republican governors, Schwarzenegger and New
York's George Pataki, have cemented this cross-country alliance only
serves to highlight the leadership vacuum evident in the Bush
administration and Congress on this issue.
It's important to acknowledge that this is only a first step.
Atmospheric scientists say that unless swift action is forthcoming,
carbon dioxide levels may tip the world's climate into a new and
unpredictable regime sometime later this century.
Northeastern states have also agreed to delay the launch of a regional
greenhouse gas registry to allow California and perhaps several
Midwestern states to join. The registry will set uniform standards to
validate and document greenhouse gas offsets undertaken by companies in
participating states.
New England states have followed California's lead in setting new
tailpipe emission standards on automobiles that will require
manufacturers to significantly increase fuel economy. Together the two
regions command almost 30 percent of the U.S. car market.
Many other important pieces need to be in place if we are to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions.
Eventually, the federal government and Congress, now beholden to a
minority in industry who refuse to address the issue, will come around.
Let's hope it's not too late.
