Expect low carbon diets to begin in 2010
Our country is going on a low carbon diet. President Obama and the EPA will be implementing new regulations that will require 10,000 companies, municipalities and universities to start measuring their green house gas (GHG) emissions beginning January 1, 2010. Once the GHG emissions are counted you can bet that the government will then implement regulations and programs designed to reduce GHGs emitted by the companies, universities and municipalities that have to measure their GHGs.
According to the Plunkett Cooney law firm, anyone emitting 25,000 metric tons of GHGs including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide or several fluorinated gases will have to measure the amount of GHGs emitted and report it to the EPA. Anyone who fails to report GHG amounts can be fined up to $37,000 per day for each violation.
This reporting requirement impacts “fuel-fired power plants, landfills, fuel production facilities, chemical plants, steel and aluminum works, cement factories and large livestock operations.” In 2011, motor vehicle and engine manufacturers will have to start reporting GHGs. All will be required to report the amount of GHGs and starting March 31, 2011 the public will be able to view those reports on line.
Once those numbers are known, all the previously mentioned entities can expect to hear from a wide variety of groups.
Companies need to understand that from the standpoint of government regulation and public opinion, the debate about global warming is over. That means it’s time for them to develop sustainability plans and carbon reduction strategies before regulators, environmental advocates, shareholders and other groups force them to act.
Whether the reductions will be mandated by Congress, the EPA or self-imposed, has not been determined. However, the different entities mentioned above, may want to begin making voluntary reductions through equipment modifications before Congress and the EPA impose possibly more onerous requirements.
Regardless of what is chosen, be assured that Congress, the EPA, and the public will be taking note of voluntary efforts to lower GHG emissions and of those that must be forced.
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