Environmental Defense Applauds Pataki Multi-State Climate Effort

(24 July 2003 — New York)  Environmental Defense today praised Governor Pataki of New York for bringing together nine northeast states that will develop a regional strategy to take action on climate change.  The coalition of states will work together to develop a market-based emissions trading system to reduce emissions from power plants.

“This agreement sets an important national precedent and represents real leadership on the question of how to solve the challenge of climate change,” said James T. B. Tripp, general counsel of Environmental Defense.  “These states are recognizing that climate change has real consequences for health and the environment - and that solutions exist that make sense for the economy.” 

The states that have agreed to take part in this initiative include; New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.  These states consist of about one-fifth of the nation’s population; making this not only a major regional initiative, but also an important national precedent.  The action by these states comes at a time when climate change is also receiving national attention.  Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) are expected to introduce an amendment to the Energy Bill next week that will create a national cap on carbon emissions. 

“Earlier this year, Governor Pataki also committed to adopt upcoming California regulations that limit climate emissions from cars and light trucks,” said Tripp.  “Together with full implementation of that commitment, a regional cap on power plant emissions will show how practical, market-based tools can create a multi-sector solution to climate change.  Environmental Defense looks forward to working with these states to determine the best scientific and economic solutions.”

Environmental Defense helped to pioneer the use of cap and trade systems to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants as part of the federal Clean Air Act amendments of 1990.