|
 |
 |
|
Amid opposition from conservatives, businesses defend greenhouse-gas accord
More than 200 businesses urged a handful of governors Monday to remain committed to a regional cap-and-trade program even as it comes under attack from conservative groups.
The businesses — which include a slate of renewable energy companies — say the program, known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), has delivered major benefits for state economies.
“We believe strong clean energy and clean air policies create jobs and stimulate economic growth. RGGI shows that market-based programs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting our economy,” the 225 businesses write in a letter to the governors of the RGGI states. “By reducing spending on out-of-region fossil fuels, RGGI improves energy security and economic competitiveness and frees up energy dollars for spending in other parts of our economies.”
The letter comes as conservative groups like Americans for Prosperity ramp up their opposition to the program, which aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants in 10 Northeastern states.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said in May that he will pull out of the program, arguing it amounts to a “tax on electricity.”
But the businesses, in the letter, say RGGI has delivered a return of between $4 and $6 for every dollar spent and created jobs in the clean energy sector, citing a June study by Environment Northeast, an environmental group.
The businesses pressed the governors to make improvements to RGGI as part of an upcoming 2012 review of the program designed to evaluate its success.
“Improving RGGI will provide still more cost-effective benefits,” the letter says. “Updating the RGGI emissions cap to create effective pricing signals will accelerate the transition to clean energy and drive additional in-region economic growth, while reducing actual emissions. Coordinating with energy and climate programs in other states and regions holds additional promise for increasing the scope and cost-effectiveness of RGGI’s market-based model.”
