Talking Points

Global warming is of great significance to global, national, state, and local communities.

• Projected warming of 2.5-10° F will have devastating consequences that threaten human health and natural ecosystems. The U.S. must become a leader in seeking solutions to this problem because it produces almost one quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. States have this same responsibility because many states produce more greenhouse gases than entire nations; for example, Texas has more emissions than France and California emits more than Brazil.

The Greenhouse Gas Database Act is good for the environment.

• The Greenhouse Gas Database Act requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions for large emitters of greenhouse gases and for those who already report air emissions. This will allow states to analyze their contributions to global warming and focus their attention on areas where they can make reductions. The database can help the environment by making businesses, states, and citizens more aware of their emissions and more accountable for their environmental impact.

The Greenhouse Gas Database Act is good for business.

• Creating a mandatory greenhouse gas database is the first step to establishing the knowledge and infrastructure needed to support a future cap-and-trade program. Strict and uniform reporting requirements will enable companies to realize the most effective means of making reductions. Further, reducing greenhouse gas emissions makes good business sense. Streamlining energy use improves efficiency and saves money.

The Greenhouse Gas Database Act will help states close loopholes in the federal registry.

• States are responsible for protecting their environment and economy. The current federal registry does little for either. State greenhouse gas databases will provide data to inform improved future national climate change legislation.