Global Warming

The perils of global warming are increasing at an alarming rate, leading policymakers to create legislature to attempt to curb its environmental hazards. Addressing S. 309: Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, this team examined the US proposal to address global warming, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. They outlined the incremental emissions cut over the next 40 years, to be achieved by increasing vehicle emissions standards, instituting renewable and clean energy requirements and cap-and-trade programs, implementing carbon sequestration techniques, and continuing research and development of new technologies. By 2050 the program aims to achieve 80% of 1990 emission levels and to maintain a global temperature increase under 3.6ºF. They outlined immediate demands for the first year of program, which includes a government budget of $8.8 million. They hope to create a S.309 working group, draft regulations with staff and consultants, and open applications for a sequestration grant program in that time. The group believes that the act has a fair chance of passing in 2009 if there is a change of administration at the top.

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