AMC scientists have been collecting and analyzing air quality and climate-related data since the early 1980’s. Our conservation staff and volunteers are increasingly weighing in on proposed regional and national legislation to protect the Appalachian Mountains we all care so much about. Currently, there are no federal regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions, but there are a number of proposed bills in Congress that address climate change through setting targeted reductions of emissions and other mechanisms such as national renewable energy standards.
Federal Climate Change Legislation:
AMC is tracking a plethora of climate change bills now being considered in Congress and have created a comparative chart among the most environmentally significant ones. Learn More>>
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI):
RGGI is a multi-state effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. This program is an important first step for states to take to address climate change. Learn More>>
Cleaner Cars:
Exhaust from cars and trucks makes up a large portion of air pollution that negatively affects human health and mountain environments and contributes to climate change. Several regional initiatives are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Learn More>>
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS):
These standards require that a percentage of all electricity generated comes from renewable resources. To date only certain states have renewable portfolio standards. A national renewable standard is included in the Global Warming Act of 2006. Learn More>>
Climate Action Plans: (Change all links to reflect the new placement within the energy legislative pages)
The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers 2001 Climate Action plan called for them to develop and implement a plan that reduces region-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, and 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. RGGI is building on this plan as well as those adopted in individual states. The New England Climate Coalition has formed to move these conceptual ideas into reality. Here is a list of states with links to their specific action plans that are in various stages of implementation:
