Regional Climate Coordination
The Georgetown Climate Center serves as one of three organizations that helps guide the "three regions process," bringing together representatives of the three regional climate initiatives in North America.
These three programs now represent about half of the U.S. population, half of the nation's gross domestic product, and a third of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. This spring, the Georgetown Climate Center is facilitating discussions among the regional programs to identify the potential benefits and challenges involved in linking their greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
About the Regional Climate Initiatives:
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states have capped and will reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10% below 2009 levels by 2018.
RGGI has been in operation since January 2009. States sell nearly all emission allowances through auctions and invest proceeds in consumer benefits: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other clean energy technologies. RGGI seeks to spur innovation in the clean energy economy and create green jobs in each state.
Website: http://www.rggi.org
Western Climate Initiative
The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) is a collaboration of seven U.S. states and four Canadian provinces working together to identify, evaluate, and implement policies to tackle climate change at a regional level.
The WCI is the first effort in the United States to create an economy-wide cap on greenhouse gases. The first phase of its cap-and-trade system is scheduled to begin in 2012, and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.
Website: http://www.westernclimateinitiative.org
Midwest Greenhouse Gas Accord
Nine Midwestern states and two Canadian provinces have signed on to participate or observe in the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Realizing the unique and major impact that the Midwestern states play in the emissions of carbon, these participants aim to institute Midwestern practicality in the debate on global warming.
The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord Advisory Group has finalized their recommendations, which includes a greenhouse gas reduction target of 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. Governors are now reviewing the recommendations to offer their input on next steps to be taken in the region and at the federal level.
Website: http://www.midwesternaccord.org
