Coalition of 31 states creates greenhouse-gas emissions registry
Flipping the feds the collective bird, 31 U.S. states have created a registry to track industrial greenhouse-gas emissions. The states — joined by British Columbia, Manitoba, and a Native American nation in California — represent some 70 percent of the U.S. population and all (er, both?) sides of the political spectrum. Starting in January, the registry will track emissions data that’s verified by a third party; the system is similar to a federal one already in place, except for that whole “verified by a third party” thing. Supporters say that difference is crucial. “When we say a reduction has happened, you can take it to the bank,” says Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy. Led by California and New England, the scheme has the support of companies like BP America and Pfizer, as well as green leaders. Says Natural Resources Defense Council head Frances Beinecke, “You have to be able to count carbon pollution in order to cut carbon pollution.”
