The present patchwork of climate policies does not serve the interest of rational and efficient business planning. Many businesses are now playing an active part in the development of policy, pushing toward clear and predictable rules. There is a rising assumption that sooner or later some sort of emissions control regime is inevitable, and many companies, such as electric utilities that invest in very long-lived assets, need to know as soon as possible what the rules will be.
Multinational companies often find that some of their operations are already under Kyoto, but others are not. Within the United States, firms are concerned that they may be required to operate under different rules in different states. They argue that fragmentation and instability of public policy are the enemies of effective management.
RFF frequently provides briefings and presentations to businesses to help them understand the policy landscape, their likely interests, and their potential to contribute constructively to the policy debate.
The second edition of one of the most widely cited works in the tradable permits literature, Emissions Trading offers a comprehensive overview of what we have learned about this important environmental policy instrument after twenty-five years of theory, practice, and research.
The actions of industry, several states, and conservative Christians suggest a political sea change in U.S. climate policy, according to Senior Fellow Ray Kopp.
