Energy Efficiency: The Smart Way to Reduce Global Warming Pollution in the Northeast

Publication Date: August 2005

Publisher:

Author(s): Travis Madsen; Frank Gorke; Rob Sargent

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: energy efficienty; cap and trade

Type: Report

Abstract:

In 2005, Northeast states from Delaware to Maine worked on developing a regional system to limit global warming pollution from power plants, known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The main argument against an aggressive cap is that it will cost too much. However, as Energy Efficiency: The Smart Way to Reduce Global Warming Pollution in the Northeast highlights, a strategy that couples limits on carbon dioxide emissions with vigorous efficiency measures can reduce the cost of the program, enable greater emission reductions and boost the region's economy.