Greenhouse Gas Regulation: Pollutant-Specific Contribution Rules, Emission Taxes, Cap and Trade Incentives

This CLE course will advise environmental counsel on current issues related to greenhouse gas emissions and regulation. The panel will address both the issues of gas sources and trends and the legislative initiatives, including the pollutant-specific significant contribution rules, SEC climate disclosure rules, emission taxes, and cap and trade program incentives. The panel will discuss proposed action by the EPA and Biden Administration as well as key state actions, the implications of rejoining the Paris accord, and the impact of such action on specific industries.

In April the Biden Administration hosted a virtual summit with 40 world leaders to discuss climate and plans to meet the parameters of the 2015 Paris agreement. In connection with this summit, the president announced ambitious plans to reduce United States carbon emissions to 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Environmental counsel should be aware that, in addition to traditional industries regulated for greenhouse gas emissions, the Biden Administration is proposing a whole government approach to combating climate change. EPA is investigating Scope 3 emissions produced indirectly by a company. Scope 3 emissions flew under the radar as regulators focused on more obvious sources. With global attention on environmental, social, and governance investing, indirect emissions are coming under greater scrutiny. The administration is also considering legislation and rules for pollutant-specific contribution, emissions taxes, and cap and trade incentives. The administration also reestablished the interagency to review the social cost of carbon and make recommendations.

Listen as our authoritative panel of environmental and energy attorneys examines the guidance and the requirements under the new greenhouse gas regulations, explains what to expect from state and local authorities, and offers practical tips on meeting the new regulatory requirements.