APA Domestic Offsets and Carbon Conservation Program Summary and Recommendations Papers & Publications

The American Power Act of 2010 (“APA”), released on May 12, 2010 by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), relies on offsets to reduce the global concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) while lowering the cost of the program.  While offsets can and should play an important role in cost-effective cap and trade systems, standards must be rigorous and properly administered to ensure that an offset is equivalent to an emission reduction within the regulated sector. 

This document provides:  (1) a brief overview of domestic offset provisions in APA, along with an overview of the carbon conservation program; (2) detailed section-by-section summaries of the provisions of both programs, and; (3) reactions and recommendations for strengthening the bill through increased rigor for the offset program and funding for the carbon conservation program.