AB-32 Scoping Plan Beneficial
In 2006, the California state legislature, prompted by Gov. Schwarzenegger, passed landmark legislation, entitled the Global Warming Solutions Act. Code-named AB-32, the legislation sought to implement stringent restrictions on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that major organizations could emit within state borders. The legislation had a lengthy ramp up period before displaying any real “teeth” but this preliminary journey is almost complete.
At the beginning of 2009, California’s AB 32 scoping plan was approved by the state legislature. As expected, a cap and trade program is to be implemented at the beginning of 2012 and this will have far-reaching implications for companies affected. Those in this position must fully understand what their compliance will require as market-based mechanisms, under the cap and trade program, will force them to make an overall reduction in carbon emissions.
The AB-32 scoping plan recognizes the value of voluntary efforts and this is a significant achievement for the renewable energy lobbying regime. The state recognizes that voluntary renewable energy generation can also help to reduce the levels of greenhouse gas emissions and this effort will be given appropriate value under the cap and trade program.
While the Global Warming Solutions Act was seen as far ahead of its time in 2006, a lot has changed since then. We are now even more aware of the damage caused to our world by excess energy use and while the Act still has its detractors, acceptance has grown.
Renewable energy purchases made by individual entities, if on a voluntary basis, can be classified and applied to responsibilities under the cap and trade program. Utility companies are being pushed to purchase renewable energy and incentives are also in place for solar power solutions.
Credit for voluntary action is now a crucial component of the AB-32 scoping plan and it has been lauded as recognizing the value of private investments in renewable energy. As only approximately 5% of our energy use comes from renewable sources, every effort must be made to encourage its adoption and the revised legislation goes a long way to help this.
If businesses can see that, by purchasing renewable energy certificates under the AB-32 scoping plan, they can reduce their environmental footprint then this could further buoy the renewable energy market. Trading within the voluntary Chicago Climate Exchange, still the United States only real climate cap and trade system, often includes such purchases and registration.
As of January 1, 2010, those organizations that opted to take early action to reduce their emissions are now prompted to do so. The full cap and trade system will come into force at the beginning of 2012.
Daniel Stouffer has much more data about Ab 32 scoping and how a visit to www.verisae.com will be of use to you.