Saturday, February 09, 2008

Center's Global Warming Safety Program for Elderly

The Center has established an Elderly Allowance Reserve Program (EARP) to address environmental equity concerns related to climate change. Emission trading programs could negatively impact low-income and elderly citizens via higher energy prices. These allowances would come from a special reserve, similar to the current Acid Rain Program Renewable Energy and Conservation Reserve, when the initial allowance allocation is made.

EARP allowances would be awarded to producers, utilities, automakers and others that undertake practices and programs designed to mitigate or prevent price shocks, increase the installation of pollution control equipment, promote community education and enhance health-related activities. Producers utilities and automakers could choose to work with organizations and businesses that conduct energy price equity activities related to climate change mitigation and reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide. The EARP should be included in any global warming or climate change legislation that Congress will consider.

As an alternative to legislation and as an insurance policy in case climate change legislation does not pass, the Center has developed a voluntary EAR Program (EARP) that provides a platform for utilities, automakers and communities to address and influence the energy cost issue. Any utility, automaker or citizen can: sell to, donate or purchase compliance allowances from, the voluntary EARP or otherwise support the EARP. The Center will meet with interested stakeholders to develop EARP projects. The Center will work to develop an emissions trading platform to directly facilitate exchanges. The Center EARP program will leverage allowances and resources to promote elderly energy equity practices and projects.

The Center will alert businesses, mayors, states, elder citizens groups, Congress and the general public about innovative methods for participating in this program, enhancing electricity production, auto emissions reductions and protecting constituent communities. Participation in the EARP will clearly show that a producer, utility or automaker is is willing to include EARP in the emission trading market. Allowances are fully marketable commodities. Once allocated, allowances may be bought, sold, traded, or banked for use in future years. Allowances may not be used for compliance prior to the calendar year for which they are allocated.

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