Policy Solutions

All Policy Documents Tagged cap and trade

DOs and DON’Ts for Creating Carbon Price Safeguards

Legislative Analysis

As the Senate takes up energy and climate legislation, many are considering the best approach to meet a strong cap on carbon emissions while assuring that carbon allowance prices remain reasonable and that market abuses are prevented. The core tools we need are a means to provide additional allowances to the market without breaking the law’s emissions cap, and a robust set of market regulation safeguards against market abuse. With these tools, Congress can deter price manipulation and place effective limits on prices without compromising the law’s vital climate protection objectives.
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The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)
Legislation to build the clean energy future

Index of Fact Sheets

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Comprehensive energy and climate legislation will create the incentives necessary to build the clean energy economy and help make America a leader for the 21st century.

Testimony re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Presented by David Doniger before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 24, 2009

Testimony

This testimony covers three somewhat far-ranging topics which this panel has been asked to address: (1) coordinating the existing Clean Air Act and comprehensive new climate legislation, and in particular, defining the role of states; (2) assuring sound regulation of carbon markets; and (3) addressing our domestic and international adaptation needs. Get document in pdf.

Testimony of David G. Hawkins re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Presented before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 23, 2009

Testimony

Coal has fueled economic growth in the world's largest economies. But we cannot solve the climate crisis unless we cut coal's global warming emissions dramatically. We have the tools to do this. But these tools will not be deployed at the required scale unless we enact new laws to cut global warming pollution. The proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), released by Chairmen Waxman and Markey in March, is a comprehensive program to cut emissions from coal and other sources of greenhouse gases and put America on a path to economic, energy, and climate security. We cannot afford to delay enactment of this program. Get document in pdf.

Testimony of NRDC president Frances Beinecke re the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009”
Presented before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 22, 2009

Testimony

Passing effective climate legislation is NRDC's highest priority. It is vital to enact legislation this year. As President Obama said last week, the foundation for growth and prosperity in the 21st Century must be built on solid pillars. Clean, sustainable energy is one of those pillars, and promptly enacting comprehensive energy and climate legislation is the way to put that pillar in place. Rather than being a reason for delay, the current recession amplifies the importance of acting swiftly. If the American Clean Energy and Security Act were enacted tomorrow millions of clean energy jobs would be created, starting right away. There will be no impact on energy costs in the near term, however, since limits on carbon emissions would not go into effect until 2012. By that time the current recession should be in the rear view mirror. ... Get document in pdf.

Regulating Trading in the Carbon Market

Fact Sheet

America needs strong climate policy that will boost the economy and reduce dangerous global warming pollution. A key piece of successful climate legislation will be a carbon market that allows non-polluting companies to trade carbon credits. But unregulated or self-regulated trading involves important risks. Climate legislation should require strong carbon market regulations to ensure success. Get document in pdf.

Developing the Technology of the Future
Federal Climate Legislation Can Maximize Low-Carbon Technology Innovation

Fact Sheet

America needs strong federal action to contain the threat of global warming. But a series of barriers stand in the way of the technology innovation needed to develop a clean energy economy at the lowest possible long-term cost to society. Strategically increasing research, development, and demonstration (known as RD&D) funding for low-carbon technologies can help to overcome these barriers and jumpstart innovation. Get document in pdf.

Kick-Starting Building Efficiency
A Policy Workplan for Maximizing the Economic Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Fact Sheet

The buildings sector is the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States, including emissions from generating the electricity used in buildings. Buildings and the appliances within them currently account for roughly one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that number is on the rise. Fortunately, buildings also offer the quickest and most cost-effective opportunity to reduce global warming pollution while yielding direct economic benefits, saving consumers money and boosting U.S. industry. Energy efficiency measures such as retrofitting existing buildings and increasing the energy efficiency of new buildings can generate net savings using technology that exists today. NRDC recommends a clear set of policy solutions for reaping the immediate benefits of building efficiency. Get document in pdf.

Why Cap and Invest is Better Than a Carbon Tax

Fact Sheet

While there is widespread support for the goal of reducing our emission of global warming pollution by 80 percent by 2050, there is a vigorous debate about the best means for reaching that goal. Advocates for a carbon tax suggest that it would be simpler and more transparent than a cap and invest system, but such arguments often compare a “real-world” cap and invest design with an idealized carbon tax. When factoring in the pressure for special accommodations in the legislative process that will undoubtedly face either system, a cap and invest program is preferable to implementing a carbon tax. The following list offers five reasons, including greater certainty where it counts and more flexibility where it is needed, why a cap and invest system will best help us meet the urgent goal of reducing global warming pollution. Get document in pdf.

Powering Up Renewable Electricity
NRDC's Roadmap for Immediate and Cost-Effective Renewables Deployment

Fact Sheet

Renewable electricity is the energy of the future — it can reduce global warming emissions, moderate the long-term cost of power and help ensure our energy independence and national security by phasing out fossil fuels. To realize these benefits, we must cap carbon emissions which will put a price on global warming pollution while simultaneously helping to launch emerging renewables into the marketplace. Get document in pdf.

Cap 2.0: Investing in America

Analysis

America and the world have reached a crucial juncture on climate change. Comprehensive climate legislation that caps greenhouse gas emissions while spurring a surge in clean energy investments is the best way to achieve the reductions necessary to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of global warming. A "cap-and-invest" strategy would create millions of jobs, make America more secure and restore the United States to a position of world leadership in technology and innovation. Learn more about NRDC's policy recommendations for the next generation of climate legislation, Cap 2.0.

Investing in Our Recovery
Repowering America with a 'Cap and Invest' Climate Plan

Fact Sheet

We must focus our efforts on an economic recovery plan that provides needed short-term stimulus and lays the groundwork for a stable, long-term recovery. Enacting a cap and trade system to limit global warming pollution is an essential component of a comprehensive plan to repower America. Passing legislation to cap global warming pollution can spur investment, create millions of jobs, and help pull our lagging economy forward by providing the opportunity to borrow against the value of future pollution allowances and creating the market signals needed to trigger a surge of clean energy investments. Get document in pdf.