Topic: us policy

The following provides quick definitions for terms often used in climate policy debates. It is an introduction to the key climate change concepts and issues, which is explained further in subsequent issues in WRI’s “Bottom Line” series on climate and energy policy.

This policy brief looks at the rationales for a national greenhouse gas registry in the United States, draws comparisons to other reporting programs and proposals, and makes recommendations on key design questions.

Remarks by Jonathan Lash on December 18, 2007 at the National Press Club Briefing for Journalists

Making the Carbon Offset Market Work

There are two ways the U.S. government could bring consistency and credibility to the voluntary carbon offset market: endorse an existing program and provide guidance, oversight and/or enforcement.

The renewable energy tax credits expire at the end of 2008. 15 corporate green power buyers say these tax credits are absolutely critical, and are calling on Congress to renew them.

Environmental Trends to Watch in 2008

Trends to Watch is WRI’s annual forecast of emerging issues that will have major impacts on environmental coverage in 2008. On climate change: what will happen between COP-13 in Bali, and COP-14 in Poznan? What role will China play? Will we see new legislation and regulations from Congress or the EPA? Where will biofuels and technology go? Where will the water come from? WRI President Jonathan Lash makes his predictions at the National Press Club.

The Road From Bali

It was a day later than scheduled, but the 13th U.N. climate change conference (COP-13) in Bali at last came to a close. The world is now breathing a sigh of relief; as late as Saturday, negotiations looked like they would run off the tracks. But Bali gave us only a vague sense of the road ahead, and the only certainty is that the road will be difficult.

A Roadmap on Climate Change

Climate change is also changing the political climate. In this International Herald Tribune editorial, Senator John Kerry and I cover current international and U.S. climate change politics, and what must happen in the 13th U.N. climate change conference (COP-13) beginning this week in Bali, Indonesia. Read the editorial.

This week the Senate EPW Committee is holding hearings on S.2191, the Lieberman-Warner bill. WRI’s and NRDC’s joint overview covers what the bill would mean for U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

This WRI policy brief makes the case for a national renewable electricity standard (RES), and makes recommendations for specific design features that a national RES should include.

On November 15th, Governors of nine Midwestern U.S. states and the Premier of Manitoba signed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, a new agreement to establish regional goals and initiatives to increase energy security, promote renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Note: this map has been updated: click here to view the update.

Top 10 Outcomes 2007

< p>Each year, we evaluate the impact of our work in four sustainable development goal areas and announce our top ten outcomes. Each is a glimpse of what’s possible when we work together as a global community.

This publication is an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

WRI produces cutting-edge analysis of climate and energy issues to help decision makers in the United States achieve needed emissions reductions.