From the Editor
Believe it or not, the most important election in American history is less than one month away. Despite many stark policy differences between the candidates, there is one thing they agree on: The need to limit greenhouse gas emissions. While there are some technical differences between their exact policy proposals both candidates espouse the need for a cap-and-trade systems. Still, even with a president in office who recognizes the serious threat of global climate change, there’s no guarantee that partisan in-fighting won’t kill any bill before it makes it to the new president’s desk. 

There have been more than 235 bills introduced in both houses of Congress in the last several years, and none of them have made it very far. Earlier this summer, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act became the first cap-and-trade bill to be debated on the floor of the Senate, but a vote to invoke cloture – sending the bill to a general vote – failed, and the bill died as so many before it had.

Regardless of Congress’ snail’s pace, facility executives would be well-advised to begin preparing now for organizational caps on greenhouse gas emissions. Given the current financial crisis, the next president may have more pressing issues, but most experts believe that cap-and-trade regulation is only matter of time.

Has your organization begun preparing for reduced greenhouse gas regulation? Do you think such regulation is necessary? Let me know where you stand. 


Cheers,
Greg Zimmerman, editor

Green Strategies
Climate Changed
Both candidates agree: It’s time for a limit on greenhouse gases. Here’s a rundown of each candidate’s policies and past attempts to regulate emissions.  

In the News
Bailout Bill Also Extends Renewable Energy Tax Credits
A provision of the $700 billion bailout bill includes an extension of a key tax credit for alternative energy.   

Green Toolkit
How Green is Your Candidate?
The environmental Web site Grist offers a comparison and contrast of both candidates’ environmental policies.

Green Pulse
Has your organization begun implementing specific emissions reductions strategies in anticipation of regulation?
— Yes, our energy efficiency and emissions reduction program is well underway.
— We’ve had preliminary discussion and plan to implement plans soon.
— We haven’t started.
— We don’t think regulation is coming.

Click here to answer and view results.

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