The Nature Conservancy Applauds Governor Pataki for
Leading Historic Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to
Combat Climate Change
New York, NY—December 19, 2005—The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor George Pataki’s decision that formally commits New York to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a historic multi-state agreement that takes great strides toward reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.
“We congratulate the leadership of Governor Pataki for brokering this landmark deal with other states in the Northeast,” said Henry Tepper, director of the New York chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “This is a tremendous first step that sets an important precedent for future climate change policies across the United States and internationally.”
RGGI sets an exemplary precedent to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants using a market-based system at little to no cost to electricity consumers. In fact, this new regional climate accord would improve energy efficiency and could save the typical residential customer about $50 per year, according to analysis sponsored by nine Northeast states.
The initiative will place caps on carbon dioxide emissions from electric generation facilities and allow trading of emission reductions allowances to meet those caps. By turning emission reductions into a marketable asset, RGGI creates incentives for companies to invest in emission reduction technologies and gives businesses the flexibility to meet emission reduction goals at the lowest costs.
“This program will serve as a catalyst for additional regional and national action which is critical to reducing heat-trapping emissions and minimizing the threats that climate change poses to the people, businesses and ecosystems in New York and across the country,” said Tom Middleton, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Conservancy’s New York chapter.
Over the past 50 years, The Nature Conservancy has invested billions of dollars in nature conservation in New York and around the globe. But these investments, as well as those of the federal government and private land owners, are in jeopardy because of climate change. For example, in and around the Peconic Estuary on Long Island, an area we have worked to preserve, environmentally and economically important shellfish beds and coastal properties are at risk from global warming and sea level rise. Without these natural systems, water quality will be degraded and important habitats for fish, shellfish and migratory birds could be lost entirely. On the Tug Hill Plateau, the Adirondacks and the Catskills, large tracts of forest with economically and ecologically valuable tree species, like sugar maples, are likely to be affected in a significant way.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Pataki to make this historic Northeast climate change program successful,” said Tepper. “Through this initiative, the Northeast will be leading our nation in taking a substantial leap forward to reduce global warming emissions.”
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