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The United States strongly believes that effective mitigation of greenhouse gases depends on the use of a variety of approaches: regulatory and voluntary; national and sub-national; research, policy, and grassroots action. Therefore, the U.S. Government does not dominate national action to control greenhouse gases. Rather, it encourages state and local governments, as well as citizen groups and businesses, to develop innovative programs. The United States has a long history of replicating success, whether that be at the national, state, or local level.
Consequently, the United States has chosen to highlight a wide range of Best Practices in this report. Most of the Best Practices are policy or program related, with demonstrated greenhouse gas reduction records. In addition, two research-focused programs which show exceptional promise have been included.
We also have included a Best Practice Survey on emissions trading. While the United States does not have a CO2 emissions trading program, our sulfur dioxide program has established such an exceptional track record of success that it merits inclusion here as a Best Practice. We believe that innovative policy tools such as emissions trading along with a range of voluntary programs are likely to dramatically reduce the overall cost of greenhouse gas reductions.
The United States believes that more than one national goal can be addressed in the course of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, U.S. programs to reduce greenhouse gases are being designed so that multiple environmental benefits accrue. For example, greenhouse gas reductions are the result of increased energy efficiency, which in turn leads to the added benefit of great financial savings for businesses, government, and consumers.
In the United States, our experience with Best Practices indicates that they are most successful when they are:
- flexible r accountability and enforcement measuresto changing circumstances and regional differences;
- provide multiple benefits;
- recognize existing institutional frameworks and establish processes for public participation;
- cost-effective;
- match key attributes of the technologies they target; and
- implemented with clea
The United States expects that establishing a value for carbon through the Kyoto Mechanisms will ultimately be the principal means for reducing U.S. emissions, but other domestic policies and measures will always play an important role. Please review the U.S. surveys and feel free to contact specific program managers listed. The United States also welcomes the opportunity to review the submissions of other countries. We expect to learn from other G8 members, and we look forward to future discussions of promising actions to reduce global warming. |
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