Department of Commerce, Industry Agencies Meet On Climate Change

The Department of Commerce recently held an invitation-only meeting in order to reach out to industry to discuss international climate change negotiations.

Numerous governmental agencies are involved in preparatory meetings to be held over the next four months, leading to the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen in December. The Commerce Department plays an important role, as offices under their watch are providing the data on climate change being used at the meetings.

Currently discussions are underway to come up with an agreement post 2012, when Kyoto expires.

Government representatives who spoke at the meeting believe that cutting US emissions by 80% by 2050 is an achievable goal. Several programs are under way to make it happen – CAFE standards, stimulus funding for clean energy, and climate change legislation are pending in Congress.

EPA is also working to comply with the endangerment finding that global warming gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act and are requiring that sources over 25,000 MT report their emissions. These areas represent opportunities for business to partner with government in their efforts, not only for new clean energy technology, but also to ensure the health of the US economy.