Does Cap & Trade Failure Change Things?
Senator Harry Reid finally gave up on the Cap and Trade bill (aka Energy Bill) because it was roundly seen as yet another tax scheme by the government. Taxing energy by virtue of CO2 emissions would create higher energy prices and thereby push consumers to look elsewhere.
Harry Reid seems to favor nearly every tax-heavy, government laden bill; and this defeat to gain support for the energy bill probably deserves the ignominious death it is getting. But all is not lost, and Harry knows it. The quiet truth is that the EPA has already been given all the power it needs to regulate CO2 and greenhouse gases (GHG). The Supreme Court has twice decided that the EPA can regulate the CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act.
The EPA is a substantial agency that has the power to issue regulations, impose fines, and even regulate CO2 emissions. The good news is that we don’t need yet another agency to do what the EPA is empowered to do now. Since the signing of Executive Order #13514, the discussion has moved up the ladder of importance as companies now see their future tied to their environmental compliance. This issue parallels the carbon emissions concerns as the EPA gets ready to assume a brand new area of enforcement.Starting in 2012, the rise of regulations are going to have serious impact.
By 2017, there is a worldwide movement to turn the corner on CO2 output. This will not come be well-wishing or voluntary action. This will be accomplished through mandates at every level of business. It seems more than likely that every business will eventually has a CSO (Certified Sustainability Officer) on staff to meet the growing demands of the carbon accounting as well as dozens of other pending regulations. In many cases, the CSO will be someone in the company already wearing a few other hats.
In larger firms, the sustainability officer will be a full time occupation.This gives the role of the Certified Sustainability Officer a high expectation as the next good-paying Green career. Fortune 500 companies are already adding in sustainability officers and committees. They know what we other companies don’t. Business will be Green and sustainable in the future.
Carbon emissions reporting is voluntary today, but it will be a requirement very soon. Failure of the energy bill does not really change the CO2 agenda. This is an issue that is international, deep-seated, and has strong financial incentive. The word to the wise is to get familiar with Green business, carbon accounting, and more environmental compliance.
The Green Business League offers one of the most effective CSO programs in America short of a four year college degree. This training is offered online and augmented by webinar type training sessions that show any aspiring Green officer how to bring the whole project into one concise sustainability plan. The Green Business League is also the sponsor of The Sustainable Forum, which offers monthly events for any and all sustainability officers. The Sustainable Forum is forming groups in many locations and offers an online version for those not in touch with a local forum area.
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