Sunday, January 24, 2010

AB 32 Legislation Moves Forward


By Daniel Stouffer

Codenamed AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act must operate within a range of strictly defined principles and objectives to be effective. Overall, its goal is considered to be justified from a global warming perspective, but it's impact on the California economy should not be under estimated. AB 32 represents a significant challenge to the state's growth.

There is a chance that unless California's administration and regulatory bodies assuage the worries of both existing, domesticated organizations and those seeking to do business in the state, new initiatives could stall or be reversed. As always, education is key and as the AB 32 legislation approaches some of its more important benchmark targets, this is more necessary than ever.

Overall, companies within California must be competitive in their marketplaces, while the controversial AB 32 legislation is enacted. Within the regulations, it is said that emission reductions must be achievable while also being technologically feasible and cost-effective. This is a great goal, but may be difficult to implement and jobs and consumer interests must be safeguarded at all times.

Many view changes as threats, but they must always be viewed as opportunities by the forward thinking business man. While AB 32 legislation introduces a number of restrictions, market-based incentives and caps, the ultimate goal is to improve energy efficiency. A company that goes further than the letter of the law and becomes even more energy-efficient will by definition reduce its carbon emissions and become more competitive in its marketplace anyway.

Nationwide, a cap and trade mechanism is being considered and it will be interesting to see how California's Global Warming Solution Act mixes in with that if it passes. The AB 32 legislation came into being in 2006 and can be considered ahead of its game, while the US Senate is only now considering nationwide legislation.

In the United Kingdom, countrywide cap and trade programs are now being introduced. Many believe that this form of market manipulation is the most equitable way of forcing down energy use and carbon emissions and that ultimately, a globally linked network of similar schemes will be necessary to achieve the lofty goals that environmentalists project.

The AB 32 legislation looks at a benchmark of figures set in 1990. According to the benchmarks, emissions must be reduced by 25% through the year 2020 and by 80% through the year 2050.

Business leaders should ensure that they are as educated as possible in the intricacies of AB 32, most especially if they have operations in the state of California. Competitively minded leaders should pay attention to how innovative organizations are preparing for the impact of the legislation.

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