Many people question how the United States Senate is able to function at all. During the course of 2009, it appeared as if the Congress was doing little else other than arguing back and forth endlessly about comprehensive healthcare. It was certainly the case that the media seem to do little else than report this bickering, but behind the scenes many believe that energy-related issues would be up next and that everyone should consider the distinct likelihood of carbon legislation.
The winter of 2009/2010 was certainly very difficult for the United States, but as Spring emerged both houses of Congress finally moved toward energy matters as they sent health reconstruction efforts to the President for signature. Sen. John Kerry, the chief architect of carbon legislation promised that action could be expected very soon now.
In the United Kingdom, carbon legislation is already very much in evidence and one of our closest trading partners is only now beginning to realize how this legislation will pan out. The “cap and trade” scheme will certainly be tested in the UK in the years ahead and it is felt that this is the best way to cut back on energy use, by using market focused instruments to reduce carbon emissions.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act contains provisions for carbon legislation, as passed by the House of Representatives in 2008. As is usual, progress in the Senate is slow, but is of course under the constitution required before such an Act can have any real effect. The US business sector could be faced with a cap and trade scheme, if the Senate decides to ratify this approach during 2010.
A cap and trade scheme as part of a comprehensive carbon legislation approach to energy efficiency, would require organizations to detail their carbon footprint and force them to proactively take steps to reduce their energy appetite. Organizations that are not able to, would face financial penalties, both in trading terms and in the acquisition of fines.
While many question whether the White House is in the mood for a divisive issue so soon after the difficult health care legislation, two dozen or so Democratic senators have signed a letter backing a climate bill and carbon legislation with immediate effect. 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 it’s 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 single organization, in every country must consider how carbon legislation is likely to arrive at some stage or another and should, in advance of this legislation, calculate individual ways to reduce emissions. Conservation is a necessity, even as punitive frameworks are considered by legislators.
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