October 22, 2012

The Future of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School; The Earth Institute of Columbia University;
Environmental Law Institute; New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section;
New York City Bar Association, Environmental Law Committee and Energy Committee;
New York League of Conservation Voters

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was formed in 2005 by northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states as the nation’s first mandatory cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. RGGI is undergoing a comprehensive review.

Among the questions addressed were: Is RGGI achieving its purposes? Where does RGGI fit in the context of North American efforts to fight climate change? Can and should RGGI be linked with trading programs in California and Canadian provinces? Should RGGI lower the cap on emissions, or include more pollutants or sources? How can emissions leakage be controlled? What has been the environmental and economic impact of RGGI? What is the impact of Governor Chris Christie’s withdrawal of New Jersey in 2011?

Speakers:
Michael B. Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice; Director, Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School (moderator)
Gavin J. Donohue, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Power Producers of New York
Ross Gould, Air & Energy Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York
Jared Snyder, Assistant Commissioner for Air Resources, Climate Change and Energy, New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Robert N. Stavins, Albert Pratt Professor of Business and Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Susan F. Tierney, Managing Principal, Analysis Group