There are a number of important factors that any meaningful action around the issue of climate change must address.  We ask that any piece of legislation include the following:

• A mandatory, but flexible, policy that caps emissions as soon as possible from major carbon-releasing sources such as factories, transportation vehicles, and power plants, and incentivizes these bodies to comply, while enforcing repercussions when they do not.  
• A policy that engages us with the international community, with the result that all major carbon-emitting countries take similar steps to reduce their emissions. 
• A policy that mandates stronger energy efficiency codes and standards for buildings, equipment and appliances and incentivizes energy efficiency. 
• A policy that provides funding for the research and development of energy technologies that are low carbon, renewable, and environmentally friendly.
• A policy that serves the public rather than special interests, and generates revenues from polluters to financially assist the poor – both in the United States and abroad – so they can cope with the escalating impacts of global warming and have access to energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities.

There are a number of legislative proposals being considered on the federal, regional, state, and local levels that address these issues.  The following is a summary of some of the major proposals that each of these legislative bodies are considering.  For a more detailed explanation and sample talking points as well as a key that explains commonly used terms, click on the links provided.

U.S. Federal

There have been a number of bills introduced in both the House and the Senate in recent months that aim to significantly reduce our carbon emissions.

Senate: The Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 (S. 280) introduced by Sens. Lieberman (I-CT), McCain (R-AZ) and Obama (D-IL) and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007 (S. 309) introduced by Sens. Saunders (I-VT) and Boxer (D-CA) would enact mandatory caps on CO2 emissions.  Additionally, these bills would invest money in renewable technologies and invest in energy efficiency in our homes, utilities and transportation.

House: The Climate Stewardship Act (H.R. 620) introduced by Reps. Gilchrest (R-MD) and Olver (D-MA) and the Safe Climate Act which will soon be reintroduced by Rep. Waxman (D-CA) would also enact mandatory caps on CO2 emissions while investing in renewable technologies and energy efficiency.

Regional

Recently, states have begun to band together to develop regional plans to limit carbon emissions, invest in renewable technology, and promote energy efficiency.  Because these regional initiatives cover large geographic areas and can be tailored to the strengths and needs of the participating states, these plans have the potential to make significant impacts on our CO2 emissions and energy consumption.

Some examples of these plans are:

• The West Coast Governors Initiative–California, Oregon, Washington
• The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative –Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut
• Powering the Plains - the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota, Manitoba and Wisconsin

State

States can play a large role in cutting CO2 emissions and investing in renewable energy. Texas, for example, emits more greenhouse gasses than France, while California’s emissions equal that of Australia. Because of this, many states have created emissions standards for the businesses in their states.  These include:

• Carbon Emissions Targets – Because there has been little meaningful action on the federal level, many states have enacted cap and trade programs to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• New Vehicle Standards – Many states have instituted plans to reduce vehicle emissions in cars and trucks produced by companies in that state.
• Renewable Portfolio Standards– Because biofuels, geothermal energy, and wind power are available in different quantities depending on their geographic location, many states have begun investing in state specific renewable energy research and development.

Local

Like states, many local governments have had success in tailoring emission cuts and renewable energy to their needs.  Because 75% of the world’s energy is consumed in urban areas, local action around this issue can make a significant difference.  Although local governments are limited in their jurisdiction, research has shown that small changes on the part of these municipalities can make a big difference.

These include:

• Expanding public transportation
• Implementing plans to limit urban sprawl
• Expanding household access to renewable energy

Additionally, through the U.S. Mayors Climate Partnership Agreement, 496 mayors representing over 64 million Americans have collectively ratified the Kyoto Protocols, pledging that their cities will achieve seven percent reductions of U.S. 1990 level emissions in the near future.