U.S regulation of carbon emissions is becoming more likely. As the nation’s largest carbon emitter, Texas should prepare now for carbon regulation and quanify the potential costs of adapting to climate change that is already occurring.

2009 ACT Recommendations on Climate Change

1. Require TCEQ to develop and present to the Legislature a report containing a list of “no regrets” emission reduction strategies for greenhouse gases with no costs or savings to the state, consumers, or businesses.
2. Establish a statewise greenhouse gas emissions inventory to provide a baseline for measuring reductions under future federal emissions-reduction policies and recognizing early reducers for appropriate credit.
3. Require an interim report on the costs of adaptation in the binational border area including health and agricultural costs.

2009 ACT Climate Change Team

Bee Moorhead, Texas Impact (lead)
bee@texasimpact.org
Jim Marston, Environmental Defense Fund
Tom “Smitty” Smith, Public Citizen
Amy Hardberger, Environmental Defense Fund

Additional Resources on Climate Change

Analysis of Potential Impacts of CO2 Emmisions Limits on Electric Power Costs in the ERCOT Region (pdf)

Report issued by ERCOT on May 12, 2009 in response to a request from PUC Chairman Barry Smitherman on April 2, 2009.