The document is a policy memorandum from staffer Lyle Birkey to Congressman George Miller regarding an upcoming vote on blocking the EPA's regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The memorandum recommends voting against the block for three reasons: (1) the costs of climate change from increased extreme weather will rise significantly if unchecked; (2) EPA regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act will have initial costs but reduce costs over time as cleaner technologies are adopted; and (3) EPA regulation can boost the economy through job creation and making the U.S. more globally competitive in green industries.
The U.S. power generation fuel mix continues to shift, driven in part by low natural gas prices, state renewable mandates, tightening environmental regulations, and lower installed costs of some generation technologies such as solar. On June 18, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its proposed Clean Power Plan (CPP), a proposed greenhouse gas emissions regulation scheme for existing plants, promulgated under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.
In this update, readers will see the latest legal developments and timelines under key EPA- proposed regulations, a brief overview of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and related state emissions reduction goals, and recent developments and open issues.
For more information, please visit www.scottmadden.com.
WRI Report: "Can The U.S. Get There From Here?"climate central
A report on how the Obama administration can use existing laws to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, from the World Resources Institute, a Washington think tank.
Kateri Callahan joined leading experts from the Clean Energy Network and Apollo Alliance for an informative discussion on the current state of the American clean energy sector, the impacts of past and current policy initiatives, and challenges the sector will face in 2010 and beyond.
Robert Alvarez, a former senior advisor in the DOE under President Clinton, outlines the department's FY 2010 budget requests and their implications for U.S. energy policy.
Renewable energy, including wind and solar power, has experienced explosive growth in recent years with no sign of slowing down. Read our special report, How Renewables are Winning, to learn more about this rapid period of renewable energy advancement.
Spreng, D. (2005). Distribution of energy consumption and the 2000 W/capita t...morosini1952
Abstract
This viewpoint discusses the intra- and international distribution of energy consumption and their implications for
intergenerational equity. For global development to be sustainable, the inequality of energy consumption must have an upper
limit. A graphic depiction of energy consumption distributions (intra- and international) shows that today’s inequalities are large
andit is arguedthat we may have already reachedor perhaps even surpassed the sustainability limit of energy consumption
inequality.
A Continued Emphasis on Domestic Drilling for Natural Gas is an Inefficient a...TheWildernessSociety
As a result of extensive domestic drilling in the past, the U.S. has a “mature” oil and natural gas resource base. Our remaining domestic oil and natural gas are expensive to extract. Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel resource that increases greenhouse gas emissions when extracted and consumed.
Greenhouse Gas Regulations: Advising Clients in an Uncertain Legal EnvironmentDave Scriven-Young
Presentation to the Chicago Bar Association concerning efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change by Congress, the international community, U.S. federal agencies, and the courts.
Benefits of Putting Carbon Tax in Ohio State 12Benefits.docxAASTHA76
Benefits of Putting Carbon Tax in Ohio State 12
Benefits of Carbon Tax in Ohio State
Sujan Kumar Karki
BSC
Summer 2017
Capstone Advisor: William J. Doyle, Ph D.
Copyright by:
Sujan Kumar Karki
2017
To: Meena and Laba Karki
Acknowledgement
I am forever indebted to by mom Meena Karki and Dad Laba Karki for all the support and sacrifices they have provided me throughout my career. I am thankful to Prof. Dr William J Doyle for his constant support and generosity. I really admire his patience throughout this project. I will always be thankful to my friends Tej Prasad Ghmire, Nikita Dhungel for their motivation, support and guidance for completion of this project.
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACES: American Clean Energy and Security
CO2: Carbon dioxide
CO: Carbon monoxide
EPA: Environment Protection Agency
GHGs: Greenhouse Gases
GDP: Gross Domestic Product
ATM: Automated Teller Machine
MW: Megawatt
EU ETS: European Union Emissions Trading System
RGGI: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
SCC: Stop Climate Change
Table of Contents
Abstract7
Introduction7
Effects of emissions on climate change10
Industrial processes10
SOLVENTS AND OTHER PRODUCT USE11
Agriculture11
Wastes12
Land use and forestry13
Transportation13
Energy intensity14
CAP- AND- DIVIDEND – The basics16
Permits versus Taxes19
Potential uses of carbon pricing taxes in the state level20
Tax cuts20
Returning money to households or electricity consumers21
Deficit reduction21
Investment in combating climate change21
Transitional assistance22
Carbon Pricing Design Features22
Scope22
Point of regulation23
Reporting and verification23
Setting the price or cap24
Changes in the carbon price over time26
Cost- containment mechanism28
Offsets28
Price ceiling and floors in carbon taxing29
Complimentary policies30
Addressing emissions and sources outside the program scope30
Energy efficiency30
Regulations and standards31
Investing in enabling technologies31
Research and development32
Benefits of EPA standards in Ohio State32
Primary Policy Options34
Next steps35
Conclusion36
References39
Abstract
Ohio is one of the states in the US that advocates the use of a kind of energy that does not cause any effects on the climate change. Due to the diverse effects of climate change many states have created taxes which will take care of the environment. Ohio is the first state in the US that rolled back clean energy mandates when they signed a bill that is called SB 310 to be a state law. The law was backed by deep- pocketed Ohio- based utilities as well as conservative groups. The bill came exactly a week after the EPA announced tough new rules on carbon emissions that were coming from power plants and other industries or factories. Looking at it closely, the impacts on consumers of a cap on carbon emissions are different across the income levels as well as in the different states of the US. This paper is going to look at the benefits ...
The U.S. power generation fuel mix continues to shift, driven in part by low natural gas prices, state renewable mandates, tightening environmental regulations, and lower installed costs of some generation technologies such as solar. On June 18, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its proposed Clean Power Plan (CPP), a proposed greenhouse gas emissions regulation scheme for existing plants, promulgated under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.
In this update, readers will see the latest legal developments and timelines under key EPA- proposed regulations, a brief overview of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and related state emissions reduction goals, and recent developments and open issues.
For more information, please visit www.scottmadden.com.
WRI Report: "Can The U.S. Get There From Here?"climate central
A report on how the Obama administration can use existing laws to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, from the World Resources Institute, a Washington think tank.
Kateri Callahan joined leading experts from the Clean Energy Network and Apollo Alliance for an informative discussion on the current state of the American clean energy sector, the impacts of past and current policy initiatives, and challenges the sector will face in 2010 and beyond.
Robert Alvarez, a former senior advisor in the DOE under President Clinton, outlines the department's FY 2010 budget requests and their implications for U.S. energy policy.
Renewable energy, including wind and solar power, has experienced explosive growth in recent years with no sign of slowing down. Read our special report, How Renewables are Winning, to learn more about this rapid period of renewable energy advancement.
Spreng, D. (2005). Distribution of energy consumption and the 2000 W/capita t...morosini1952
Abstract
This viewpoint discusses the intra- and international distribution of energy consumption and their implications for
intergenerational equity. For global development to be sustainable, the inequality of energy consumption must have an upper
limit. A graphic depiction of energy consumption distributions (intra- and international) shows that today’s inequalities are large
andit is arguedthat we may have already reachedor perhaps even surpassed the sustainability limit of energy consumption
inequality.
A Continued Emphasis on Domestic Drilling for Natural Gas is an Inefficient a...TheWildernessSociety
As a result of extensive domestic drilling in the past, the U.S. has a “mature” oil and natural gas resource base. Our remaining domestic oil and natural gas are expensive to extract. Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel resource that increases greenhouse gas emissions when extracted and consumed.
Greenhouse Gas Regulations: Advising Clients in an Uncertain Legal EnvironmentDave Scriven-Young
Presentation to the Chicago Bar Association concerning efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change by Congress, the international community, U.S. federal agencies, and the courts.
Benefits of Putting Carbon Tax in Ohio State 12Benefits.docxAASTHA76
Benefits of Putting Carbon Tax in Ohio State 12
Benefits of Carbon Tax in Ohio State
Sujan Kumar Karki
BSC
Summer 2017
Capstone Advisor: William J. Doyle, Ph D.
Copyright by:
Sujan Kumar Karki
2017
To: Meena and Laba Karki
Acknowledgement
I am forever indebted to by mom Meena Karki and Dad Laba Karki for all the support and sacrifices they have provided me throughout my career. I am thankful to Prof. Dr William J Doyle for his constant support and generosity. I really admire his patience throughout this project. I will always be thankful to my friends Tej Prasad Ghmire, Nikita Dhungel for their motivation, support and guidance for completion of this project.
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACES: American Clean Energy and Security
CO2: Carbon dioxide
CO: Carbon monoxide
EPA: Environment Protection Agency
GHGs: Greenhouse Gases
GDP: Gross Domestic Product
ATM: Automated Teller Machine
MW: Megawatt
EU ETS: European Union Emissions Trading System
RGGI: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
SCC: Stop Climate Change
Table of Contents
Abstract7
Introduction7
Effects of emissions on climate change10
Industrial processes10
SOLVENTS AND OTHER PRODUCT USE11
Agriculture11
Wastes12
Land use and forestry13
Transportation13
Energy intensity14
CAP- AND- DIVIDEND – The basics16
Permits versus Taxes19
Potential uses of carbon pricing taxes in the state level20
Tax cuts20
Returning money to households or electricity consumers21
Deficit reduction21
Investment in combating climate change21
Transitional assistance22
Carbon Pricing Design Features22
Scope22
Point of regulation23
Reporting and verification23
Setting the price or cap24
Changes in the carbon price over time26
Cost- containment mechanism28
Offsets28
Price ceiling and floors in carbon taxing29
Complimentary policies30
Addressing emissions and sources outside the program scope30
Energy efficiency30
Regulations and standards31
Investing in enabling technologies31
Research and development32
Benefits of EPA standards in Ohio State32
Primary Policy Options34
Next steps35
Conclusion36
References39
Abstract
Ohio is one of the states in the US that advocates the use of a kind of energy that does not cause any effects on the climate change. Due to the diverse effects of climate change many states have created taxes which will take care of the environment. Ohio is the first state in the US that rolled back clean energy mandates when they signed a bill that is called SB 310 to be a state law. The law was backed by deep- pocketed Ohio- based utilities as well as conservative groups. The bill came exactly a week after the EPA announced tough new rules on carbon emissions that were coming from power plants and other industries or factories. Looking at it closely, the impacts on consumers of a cap on carbon emissions are different across the income levels as well as in the different states of the US. This paper is going to look at the benefits ...
Persuasive Speech Outline CRE 101 24 June 2013Natural .docxherbertwilson5999
Persuasive Speech Outline
CRE 101 24 June 2013
Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing and its effect on the economy and environment
Specific purpose for this speech: To persuade the audience to accept and support gas fracturing to harvest gas
Central idea: As a nation the United States needs to take steps to discover alternate sources of energy. With our growing demand for all types of energy and dependence on foreign sources of energy, natural gas fracturing can bring revenue and independence from our energy concerns.
Introduction
I. Attention Material
A. The economy has benefited by a process known as hydraulic fracturing or simply “fracking,” since the year 1947. The process starts with drilling beneath the surface to extract natural gas that is located within the rocks. Water along with other components is released beneath the surface which fractures (fracks) the deep rock to create the passage for the gas to reach the surface. Once the gas has reached the surface it enters the wells that were created for collection. From there the gas is ready to be potted and sold.
B. With the current turmoil in the Persian Gulf, and the amount of energy the United States consumes, we’re running quickly running out of fossil fuels. Our dependence on foreign energy can be significantly reduced if natural gas can be harnessed as a primary energy source.
C. With all the rise in hydraulic fracturing harvesting plants several job opportunities have become available for Americans. Job opportunities started rising as drilling and fracking of the natural gas became more common. Job creation is key to avoiding economic failure. States that currently allow facking are reporting revenue gains in the millions and billions of dollars.
D. While we agree that natural gas fracking and the environmental regulations should be more strictly regulated, it is not as harmful to the environment as some would make you believe. States are already taking measures to ensure the environment and communities are protected. With such regulations in place and further measures taking shape, the benefits of gas fracking far outweigh the risks.
I. Thesis (Conclusion): The of the process of hydraulic fracturing the economy has become more refined, the jobs and income it brings provide a myriad of opportunities. Crucial independence from foreign imported energy. While some tout this process as harmful and damaging, it’s actually regulated, and studies by government agencies have been done. Fracking is the energy of the future.
II. Preview of Main Points: Today we will discuss how a new energy resource has become available, along with the job opportunities, and how hydraulic fracturing is less harmful then oil drilling itself. The basics of hydraulic fracturing have already been discussed, so we will move into detail on how this process is beneficial.
Body:
I. The need for a new energy source, and independence from foreign energy
A. Our energy consumption
1. Oil is our larg.
Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing and its effect on the economy a.docxrosemarybdodson23141
Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing and its effect on the economy and environment
Specific purpose for this speech: To persuade the audience to accept and support gas fracturing to harvest gas
Central idea: As a nation the United States needs to take steps to discover alternate sources of energy. With our growing demand for all types of energy and dependence on foreign sources of energy, natural gas fracturing can bring revenue and independence from our energy concerns.
Introduction
I. Attention Material
A. The economy has benefited by a process known as hydraulic fracturing or simply “fracking,” since the year 1947. The process starts with drilling beneath the surface to extract natural gas that is located within the rocks. Water, along with other components is released beneath the surface which fractures (fracks) the deep rock to create the passage for the gas to reach the surface. Once the gas has reached the surface it enters the wells that were created for collection. From there the gas is ready to be potted and sold.
B. With the current turmoil in the Persian Gulf, and the amount of energy the United States consumes, we’re quickly running running out of fossil fuels. Our dependence on foreign energy can be significantly reduced if natural gas can be harnessed as a primary energy source.
C. With all the rise in hydraulic fracturing harvesting plants, several job opportunities have become available for Americans. Job opportunities started rising as drilling and fracking of the natural gas became more common. Job creation is key to avoiding economic failure. States that currently allow facking are reporting revenue gains in the millions and billions of dollars.
D. While we agree that natural gas fracking and the environmental regulations should be more strictly regulated, it is not as harmful to the environment as some would make you believe. States are already taking measures to ensure the environment and communities are protected. With such regulations in place and further measures taking shape, the benefits of gas fracking far outweigh the risks.
I. Thesis (Conclusion): The process of hydraulic fracturing in the current economy has become more refined, the jobs and income it brings provide a myriad of opportunities. Crucial independence from foreign imported energy. While some tout this process as harmful and damaging, it’s actually regulated, and multiple studies by government agencies have been done. Fracking is the energy of the future.
II. Preview of Main Points: Today we will discuss how a new energy resource has become available, along with the job opportunities, and how hydraulic fracturing is less harmful then oil drilling itself. The basics of hydraulic fracturing have already been discussed, so we will move into detail on how this process is beneficial.
Body:
I. The need for a new energy source, and independence from foreign energy
A. Our energy consumption
1. Oil is our largest source of energy, it provides for.
The report looks at federal, state and local activities to help control air pollution from oil and gas--both drilling and pipelines. Without taking sides, this report provides information on the natural gas industry and the types and sources of air pollutants caused by the industry. The report examines the role of the federal government in regulating these emissions, including provisions in the Clean Air Act and EPA's onerous regulatory activities.
The nation is at an environmental crossroads, states a report released today by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education (AC-ERE): America's Future: Environmental Research and Education for a Thriving Century: A 10-year Outlook.
Preparing Students for Collaborative Leadership: Lowering the walls and cross...Lyle Birkey
Preparing Students for Collaborative Leadership: Lowering the walls and crossing boundaries using business-based professional assessments to develop interdisciplinary teams
Software Delivery At the Speed of AI: Inflectra Invests In AI-Powered QualityInflectra
In this insightful webinar, Inflectra explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming software development and testing. Discover how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), from design and prototyping to testing, deployment, and monitoring.
Learn about:
• The Future of Testing: How AI is shifting testing towards verification, analysis, and higher-level skills, while reducing repetitive tasks.
• Test Automation: How AI-powered test case generation, optimization, and self-healing tests are making testing more efficient and effective.
• Visual Testing: Explore the emerging capabilities of AI in visual testing and how it's set to revolutionize UI verification.
• Inflectra's AI Solutions: See demonstrations of Inflectra's cutting-edge AI tools like the ChatGPT plugin and Azure Open AI platform, designed to streamline your testing process.
Whether you're a developer, tester, or QA professional, this webinar will give you valuable insights into how AI is shaping the future of software delivery.
Transcript: Selling digital books in 2024: Insights from industry leaders - T...BookNet Canada
The publishing industry has been selling digital audiobooks and ebooks for over a decade and has found its groove. What’s changed? What has stayed the same? Where do we go from here? Join a group of leading sales peers from across the industry for a conversation about the lessons learned since the popularization of digital books, best practices, digital book supply chain management, and more.
Link to video recording: https://bnctechforum.ca/sessions/selling-digital-books-in-2024-insights-from-industry-leaders/
Presented by BookNet Canada on May 28, 2024, with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Clients don’t know what they don’t know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
All these questions and more will be explored as we talk about matching clients’ needs with what your agency offers without pulling teeth or pulling your hair out. Practical tips, and strategies for successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal.
DevOps and Testing slides at DASA ConnectKari Kakkonen
My and Rik Marselis slides at 30.5.2024 DASA Connect conference. We discuss about what is testing, then what is agile testing and finally what is Testing in DevOps. Finally we had lovely workshop with the participants trying to find out different ways to think about quality and testing in different parts of the DevOps infinity loop.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Generating a custom Ruby SDK for your web service or Rails API using Smithyg2nightmarescribd
Have you ever wanted a Ruby client API to communicate with your web service? Smithy is a protocol-agnostic language for defining services and SDKs. Smithy Ruby is an implementation of Smithy that generates a Ruby SDK using a Smithy model. In this talk, we will explore Smithy and Smithy Ruby to learn how to generate custom feature-rich SDKs that can communicate with any web service, such as a Rails JSON API.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Infrastructure.pdfCheryl Hung
Keynote at DIGIT West Expo, Glasgow on 29 May 2024.
Cheryl Hung, ochery.com
Sr Director, Infrastructure Ecosystem, Arm.
The key trends across hardware, cloud and open-source; exploring how these areas are likely to mature and develop over the short and long-term, and then considering how organisations can position themselves to adapt and thrive.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 3DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 3. In this session, we will cover desktop automation along with UI automation.
Topics covered:
UI automation Introduction,
UI automation Sample
Desktop automation flow
Pradeep Chinnala, Senior Consultant Automation Developer @WonderBotz and UiPath MVP
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
Are you looking to streamline your workflows and boost your projects’ efficiency? Do you find yourself searching for ways to add flexibility and control over your FME workflows? If so, you’re in the right place.
Join us for an insightful dive into the world of FME parameters, a critical element in optimizing workflow efficiency. This webinar marks the beginning of our three-part “Essentials of Automation” series. This first webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to utilize parameters effectively: enhancing the flexibility, maintainability, and user control of your FME projects.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Essentials of FME Parameters: Understand the pivotal role of parameters, including Reader/Writer, Transformer, User, and FME Flow categories. Discover how they are the key to unlocking automation and optimization within your workflows.
- Practical Applications in FME Form: Delve into key user parameter types including choice, connections, and file URLs. Allow users to control how a workflow runs, making your workflows more reusable. Learn to import values and deliver the best user experience for your workflows while enhancing accuracy.
- Optimization Strategies in FME Flow: Explore the creation and strategic deployment of parameters in FME Flow, including the use of deployment and geometry parameters, to maximize workflow efficiency.
- Pro Tips for Success: Gain insights on parameterizing connections and leveraging new features like Conditional Visibility for clarity and simplicity.
We’ll wrap up with a glimpse into future webinars, followed by a Q&A session to address your specific questions surrounding this topic.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your FME expertise and drive your projects to new heights of efficiency.
Knowledge engineering: from people to machines and back
Policy memo lyle birkey (1)
1. POLICY MEMORANDUM
FOR CONGRESSMAN GEORGE MILLER
Prepared by Lyle Birkey
Assignment:
As a staffer for a United States Congressman, provide a policy brief
for an upcoming (hypothetical) congressional vote that would either
empower the USEPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions or would
block the USEPA from regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Lyle D. Birkey
Energy Policy Analysis
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate
October 14, 2013
2. To: Congressman George Miller
From: Lyle Birkey, Staffer for U.S. Congressman
Date: October 23, 2013
Re: Blocking GHGs from Federal Regulation
1. INTRODUCTION
This policy memorandum addresses the upcoming vote to block the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s regulation of greenhouse gases under
the Clean Air Act (CAA), and specifically focuses on the impacts of such
regulation on the U.S. economy. The early evidence of climate change is already
incurring crippling economic costs and international scientific consensuses
project an acceleration of such economic liabilities. On the other side of the
debate, the administrative expenses associated with federal regulation of
greenhouse gases may be a costly venture for American taxpayers and may result
in higher energy prices passed onto the end consumer.
Through close examination of the economic expenses associated with either
avenue, this policy memorandum concludes that Congressman George Miller
should vote against blocking the EPA from regulating greenhouse gasses through
the CAA because (1) the cost associated with increased storms, wildfires and sea
level rise will rise as climate change becomes more severe on a multi-decadal
timeline, (2) the estimated costs of greenhouse gas regulation under the Clean Air
Act will come at a cost initially, but the costs will reduce as more efficient
technologies are installed, and (3) the regulation of greenhouse gases under the
CAA can boost the U.S. economy through job creation and global
competitiveness.
2. BACKGROUND
It is important to be clear about the historical context of the Clean Air Act in
order to understand our current judicial juncture.
A. What the Clean Air Act was originally designed to regulate
Although the Clean Air Act was originally passed by congress in 1963, the
Clean Air Extension of 1970 drastically broadened the Act to cover both
state and federal jurisdictions for both stationary and mobile source of air
pollution. The law encompassed four regulatory categories: National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), State Implementation Plans
(SIPs), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and National
Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs).
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was adopted in 1971,
establishing the EPA, which was intended to manage a variety of
3. legislation including the regulations of the Clean Air Act and its newlydefined component parts.
B. Recent Path toward Regulating Greenhouse Gases under the
Clean Air Act
Under section 202(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act, the Administrator of the EPA
is required to establish standards which are, “applicable to the emission of
any air pollutant from…new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines,
which in [her] judgment cause, or contribute to, air pollution which may
reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.”1 The latter
portion of this language concerning the word “reasonably” and the phrase
“endanger public health or welfare” are where the EPA finds regulating
greenhouse gases to fall within their regulatory jurisdiction.
In the 2007 Supreme Court case, Massachusetts v. EPA, the court held
that, “greenhouse gases fit well within the Act’s capacious definition of ‘air
pollutant’” 2and therefore grants the EPA the authority to regulate
greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles.
Since 2007, a number of cases have explored the EPA’s obligation to
regulate greenhouse gases. Most notably, the courts ruled that:
i.
Six GHGs threaten the health and human welfare of current and
future generations (commonly referred to as the “Endangerment
Finding”), and
ii.
The EPA could limit their guidelines of polluters to the largest
stationary sources emitting more than 100,000 tons per year of
GHGs which would exclude smaller factories, restaurants and farms
(commonly referred to as the “Tailoring Rule”).
The significant details of the “Tailoring Rule” are what bring us to our next
section.
C. The Current Status of the Debate
On October 15, 2013, the U.S Supreme Court addressed a primary
legislative question: “Whether EPA permissibly determined that its
regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles triggered
permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act for stationary sources
that emit greenhouse gases.”
From the EPA’s viewpoint, this question kicks in another section of the
Clean Air Act which is called the, “Prevention of Significant Deterioration,”
or PSD. That section requires the EPA to regulate emissions from any
1
2
42 U.S.C. § 4521(a)(1). Retrieved from
549 U.S. 497 (2007); http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf
4. emitter above 100 tons per year for any pollutant. In the case of GHGs,
however this would encompass everything from large apartment buildings
to small farms. Since the EPA must adhere to regulations which are
economically and technically feasible, this low threshold of GHG
emissions needed to be “tailored” to include the top emitters like coal-fired
power plants, but to exclude small businesses and agriculture. The
tailoring rule has raised the PSD standards to 100,000 tons of CO2 per
year.
Clearly this is still a contentious issue, which is what has led up to the
congressional bill that we are currently assessing.
3. COST OF INACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
A. Recent economic expenses related to climate change
The costs of climate-related issues are already beginning to become
evident. In 2012, climate-related droughts, super storms, hurricanes,
blizzards, heat waves, and wildfires in the United States were directly
responsible for 349 deaths and caused an estimated $139 billion in
damages. Over 3,500 monthly weather records for heat, rain, and snow
reached all-time highs in recorded history.
In 2012, the costs of extreme weather in the United States added up to
almost 1 percent of the nation's GDP. For comparison, this is roughly equal
to half of all the sales taxes states collected in 2012.3
B. Projected expenses for climate change BAU over the next 50
years
Projecting economic impacts almost a century into the future is of course
surrounded with uncertainty. Any complete projection, however, would
include substantial effects due to the growth of the U.S. population and
economy. With a bigger, richer population, there will be more demand for
energy and water – and quite likely, more coastal property at risk from
hurricanes.
Climatologists predict a range of outcomes that could result from
business-as-usual (meaning steadily increasing) emissions. The businessas-usual case is the worst of what the IPCC calls its “likely” predictions for
the A2 scenario. With every day that current trends in greenhouse gas
emissions continue, the business-as-usual case becomes more probable.
i.
3
Estimated Costs of Hurricanes under BAU
Ackerman, Frank, and Elizabeth A. Stanton. The Cost of Climate Change: What We’ll
Pay If Global Warming Continues Unchecked. Rep. Natural Resources Defense Council,
May 2008. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.
5. Annual damages caused by increased intensity of U.S. hurricanes
are predicted to total $422 billion in 2100 in the business-as-usual
case.4
ii.
Real estate losses and sea-level rise
Annual U.S. residential real estate losses due to sea-level rise are
predicted to amount to $360 billion in 2100 in the business-asusual case.5
iii.
Changes to the energy sector
Annual U.S. energy expenditures (excluding transportation) will be
$141 billion higher in the 2100 in the business-as-usual case as
compared to today’s climate conditions continued throughout the
century.
iv.
Droughts and Agriculture
Annual costs of business as usual for water supply could reach
almost $1 trillion per year by 2100. Anticipated gains in crop yields
may be small and would in any case vanish by mid-century.6
4. COST PROJECTIONS OF FEDERAL GHG REGULATION
Several industry-sponsored reports, such the American Council for Capital
Formation (ACCF), have quoted economic losses to federal regulation of
greenhouse gas to cost the U.S. 1.4 million jobs, would depress investment capital
by as much as $300 billion. On the other hand, economists and researchers who
have compared actual costs with initial projections report that regulations
generally end up costing far less than the dire predictions from industry and even
below cost projections by the Environmental Protection Agency itself.
A. Costs Estimates of Current Clean Air Act Regulation
In the EPA’s most recent Prospective Study – 1990 to 2020, the costs of the
Clean Air Act are severely overshadowed by the estimated benefits by a factor
of 30 to 1. While costs of the CAA amounted to $66 billion, the estimated
benefits from reduced health costs, prevention of early deaths, and increased
productivity due to reduction of suck days as totaled $2 trillion.7
4
Ibid.
Ibid.
6
Ackerman, Frank, and Elizabeth A. Stanton. The Cost of Climate Change: What We’ll
Pay If Global Warming Continues Unchecked. Rep. Natural Resources Defense Council,
May 2008. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.
7
United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Air and
Radiation. The Benefits and Costs Ofthe Clean Air Actfrom1990 to 2020: Summary
Report. US EPA, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
5
6. B. Costs to Industry
Environmental costs are a small percentage of industry revenues. According
to 2005 data from U.S. manufacturers, their total pollution abatement
spending represented less than one percent of the $4.74 trillion value of the
goods they shipped. The abatement costs include capital and operating costs
for all pollution controls, not just those related to clean air. Air pollution
control is responsible for less than half of these costs.8
C. Costs to Employment
Contrary to industry projections, historical environmental regulations have
accounted for less than “1/10th of 1% of job loss in the U.S.” An example of
this, the Clean Air Act was projected to result in severe job loss in the period
between 1990 and 1997 according to industry reports, but actually only 7,000
jobs were lost from the regulation compared to 10 million workers being laid
off for non-environmental reasons during the same time period.9
5. GHG Regulation and Job Growth
The regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act can boost the U.S.
economy through job creation and global competitiveness. The effects of the
Clean Air Act’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), for example, are already
“creating over 150,000 jobs in clean vehicle research, development, and
production and another 150,000 are expected from the manufacturing
industry”10 according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently identified 3.1 million green jobs in
the U.S. These jobs extended into various economic sectors and demonstrated
faster growth than the overall economy. Manufacturing is the leading sector
producing these jobs and the BLS statistics show that a majority of these jobs are
accessible to workers without a college degree.11
In a similar study, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management
issued a report showing the economic benefit of requiring a10 percent reduction
in carbon pollution from all fuels over the next 10 years. This report argues that
the region would see employment increases by 9,490 to 50,700 jobs and gross
8
Goodstein, Eban, Kristen Sheeran, Peter Dorman, John Laitner, and Jonathan
Isham.Climate Policy and Jobs: An Update on What Economists Know. Issue brief.
Economics for Equity and the Environment Network, June 2010. Web. 25 Oct. 2013.
9
Ibid.
10
Gutis, Phil, Lisa Goffredi, Lise Stevens, Carlita Salazar, and Sue Rossi. Tech. N.p.:
n.p., n.d. Supplying Ingenuity: U.S. Suppliers of Clean, Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Technologies. Natural Resources Defense Council, Aug. 2011. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
11
Pollack, Ethan. Counting up to Green: Assessing the Green Economy and Its
Implications for Growth and Equity. Tech. Economic Policy Institute, 10 Oct. 2012.
Web. 28 Oct. 2013.
7. regional product increases by 2.1 billion to 4.9 billion over the next ten years. Not
only are there projected to be more jobs, but higher paying jobs with household
disposable income estimated to increase by 1 billion to 3.3 billion.12
These facts suggest that regulating carbon emissions and reinvesting in the green
jobs sector could be a boon for the U.S. economy.
6. Conclusion
Considering the factors outlined in this memorandum, the recommended action
by Congressman George Miller is to vote against blocking the EPA from
regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The cost of climate
change is already costing the American public dearly, history has proven that
arguments declaring that the economy will suffer from GHG regulation under the
Clean Air Act have been empirically inaccurate, and current trajectories and best
available estimations show that GHG regulation will boost the economy and
make the United States more globally competitive.
12
Manion, Michelle, Arthur Marin, Andrew Dick, Jason Rudokas, Matt Solomon,
Allison Reilly-Guerette, and David Ganzi. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A PROGRAM TO
PROMOTE CLEAN TRANSPORTATION FUELS IN THE NORTHEAST/MIDATLANTIC REGION. Rep. Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, July
2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2013.