GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION REDUCTION ACT, S. 309

1
GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTIONREDUCTION ACT, S. 309
Final Briefing Presented by Noura
Bakkour Team John Battaglia, Kelsey Bennett,
Connie Chao, Tara Jordan, Heather Matheson,
Samantha Miller, Erin Morey, William Murray,
Harmony Patricio, Kyle Smith, Sofia Trevino-Heres
Advisor Dr. Steve Cohen

• November 28, 2007

2
Agenda

• What is global warming?
• What are the sources of greenhouse gas emissions?
• How will S.309 address the problem?
• What are the programs long term targets?
• What will happen in the programs first year?
• Who will do the work?
• How much will it cost the government?
• How will we know that the work will be done?
• What do we need to do in the first year?
• Conclusions
• Questions?

3
What is global warming?
3
Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earths
atmosphere as a result of human activities,
causing surface air temperatures and subsurface
ocean temperatures to rise. Climate Change
Science, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 2001
4
What are the sources of greenhouse gas emissions?
4
US Emissions by Sector, 2006

• The US emits more greenhouse gases than any other
  country
• Electric power generation and transportation make
  up 68 of CO2 emissions

Data EIA DOE
5
How will S.309 address the problem?

• The Aim Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Incrementally
• Cut to 1/3 of 80 of 1990 Levels by 2030 (4,577
  Mt)
• Cut to 2/3 of 80 of 1990 Levels by 2040 (2,913
  Mt)
• Cut to 80 of 1990 Levels by 2050 (1,248 Mt)
• Maintain Temperature Increase under 3.6 F
• The Means Standards, Programs, and Technology
• Vehicle Emissions Standards
• Renewable and Clean Energy Requirements
• Cap-and-Trade Programs
• Carbon Sequestration
• Research and Development

6
What are the programs long term targets?
6
2008 Establish emissions standards by
sector Establish renewable clean energy
standards Establish RD programs
2015 Power plants Meet emissions
standard 0.5 clean energy
2020 Power plants 5 low-carbon
generation 20 renewable 11.75 peak demand
reduction 9 peak use reduction
2050 80 of 1990 levels (1,248 Mt) Maintain
temp under 3.6o F
2016 Vehicles to meet standards by weight class
7
What will happen in the first year?
8
Who will do the work?
8
9
Who will do the work (continued)?
9
10
How much will the program cost the government?
10
Total Budget 8,850,520
11
How will we know that the work will be done?
11

• Set annual CO2 reduction targets

• Measure CO2 emissions by sector

• Initiate program to invest research in the
  sources and causes of reduction

• Provide annual progress report to EPA Program
  Director

12
What do we need to do in the first year?
12

• Create S.309 Working Group
• Hire and appoint personnel
• 4 full time positions 3 part time positions
• Issue requests for proposals and Contract
  Consulting Firms
• Draft Regulations
• Agency staff will draft regulations with the
  support of contractor analytic staff
• Consultants will work in the first year to
• Perform Policy and Impact Analyses
• Develop Renewable Energy program/Cap and Trade
  Framework
• Request Applications for Sequestration Grant
  Program
• Staff will develop and distribute requests for
  proposals (RFPs) and make initial grant awards

13
Conclusions

• S.309 proposed but not yet passed
• Supporters NGOs, many insurance companies, 609
  mayors and municipal governments, and 19 senate
  co-sponsors
• Opponents conservative think tanks, some
  senators, and most significantly, the white house
• Fair chance of passing after the change in
  administration in 2009, but not before then

14
QUESTIONS?
Thank you!
15
(Bonus Slide!) What is a cap-and-trade program
why is it a good idea?
The cap The government sets a limit on emissions
to a desired level and divides this into
individual permits. The trade Companies can buy
and sell permits to achieve reductions
cost-effectively. Firms that have a lower cost of
pollution abatement will reduce emissions more
other firms can buy permits.
Why its good The system allows flexibility
while guaranteeing that emissions will be reduced
(unlike a tax), and saves money (unlike a strict
regulation.) Example Plant A50/ton Plant
B25/ton