I came across a host of big business companies which have formed a coalition, and put together a climate action platform stronger than anything the US has on the table, and up to par if not stronger than what many environmental groups are proposing. The name of the coalition is Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy. Notable members are Nike, eBay, Gap, and Starbucks. Their website is HERE. Their general platform is very sound, with 8 key principles.
-Set short- and long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets
-Stimulate green job growth
-Adopt national renewable portfolio standard
-Capture vast energy efficiency opportunities
-Boost investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon capture and storage technologies
-Establish cap-and-trade system with 100% auction of carbon allowances
-Encourage transportation for clean energy economy
-Limit construction of new coal plants to those that capture and store CO2
In addition, BICEP has recently proposed their priorities for a climate change bill. These include cutting emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 by creating an economy-wide cap-and-trade with a 100% auction of the pollution permits. By comparison, President Obama’s target for 2020 is just to get greenhouse emissions back down to 1990 levels.
They have a number of resounding statements on their website. This is one of my favorites which I think should be shown to anyone who thinks climate policy is somehow environmental versus economy.
“”Members of Congress need to hear that acting on climate is not bad for our economy, but is an important piece of jump-starting our economy, which we sorely need.” **Update 5/20/09** Republicans vs Big Business?
Matt Dernoga
