The Cap and Trade in the Carbon Legislation
The United States Congress has been pretty much occupied with issues related to health care in 2009, but little focus on climate issues. As the subject on energy-related issues has already caught surmountable media attention, it is becoming evident that indeed, it carbon legislation shall become probable.
As the first days of spring emerged to release the frozen United States from a tough winter, it appeared that both houses of Congress could turn their attention to energy matters, following the landmark passage of a health reconstruction bill. Carbon legislation, according to its chief architect, Sen. John Kerry, would now be next in line and action could be expected in short order.
Many people believe that the United States Congress works in mysterious ways. It is very evident that the United States Congress has been paying so much attention on universal health care in 2009. While the issue on energy use and related issues has caught considerable media attention, it is believed so that carbon legislation is on its way.
Carbon legislation is already in evidence in the United Kingdom, one of America's closest trading allies and while it is way too early to judge any effectiveness, it seems clear that the ubiquitous "cap and trade" scheme approach is likely to get its first real test in that country. This approach is felt to be the best way of restricting energy use and carbon emissions through market-based techniques.
The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act in 2008, but as the legislative process of course requires consideration in the Senate, its passage had little real effect. Within the ACES Act, carbon legislation includes a cap and trade scheme for the US business sector and this approach will now be considered by the Senate during the course of 2010.
As part of a comprehensive carbon legislation approach to address efficiency in energy use, establishments would be required to account for their respective carbon footprint and take proactive steps in reducing energy use. Any establishment that could not comply would be liable to some monetary penalties when it comes to trading as well as in the form of fines.
Whilst a lot would be doubtful if the White House would be ready to have another divisive issue to tackle after the universal health care legislation, the Democratic senators have already signed e petition that backs carbon legislation which will be effective immediately. Indeed, some senators are arguing that they should continue their agenda and aim for another "breakthrough legislative fight."
Carbon legislation in the United Kingdom may only affect approximately 5000 of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide, but proponents argue that its overall effect, in concentrating the mind of big business, will have a spillover effect, prompting conservation and a reduction of carbon emissions across the country.
Every organization in the country would do well to consider the growing call for carbon legislation and consider ways to aggressively calculate individual ways to cut emissions, taking steps to reduce energy consumption prior to the introduction of any punitive framework.