In the United States, policymakers are considering the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, a draft comprehensive energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction bill, put forward by Chairmen Markey and Waxman. The World Resources Institute has released a summary of the key points in the Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft. The points below relate to forestry and reducing emissions from deforestation in the tropics:
- Supplemental emissions reductions from reduced deforestation: Achieve supplemental emissions reductions of at least 720 million tons in 2020 (cumulative amount of 6 billion tons by 2025) through forestry projects in developing nations. Also calls to build capacity for international forest credits and preservation of existing forest carbon stocks at risk of international leakage. (Sec. 751, pg. 436)
- Allowances for reduced deforestation: In order to achieve the reductions called for in section 751, the draft allocates: 2012-2025: 5 percent; 2026-2030: 3 percent; 2031-2050: 2 percent (Sec. 781, pg. 476).
- Offsets from Reduced Deforestation. International offset credits allowed only if the activity occurs in a country identified by the Administrator pursuant to their ability to participate in such a program as established by this act. Provides guidance on the quantity of credits issued, how to establish a national deforestation baseline, how to avoid double counting and which countries are eligible to participate (Sec. 743, pg. 431-6)
If the Bill passes, the USA would become a major driver of Avoided Deforestation projects in the tropics, and would likely help shape the way forests are included in the post-2012 international climate change framework.
Source:Brief Summary of the Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft | World Resources Institute.
Written by: ASB Blog Editor
