Earth Protect Blog

The Associated Press has some mixed news for environmentalists. The economic downturn may "make it more difficult to pass a law to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases." On the plus side, it may very well make it more necessary.

Members of both parties argue against one of the most popular carbon reduction measures- cap and trade policies – because it might put additional stress on failing industries. The passage of a new cap-and-trade bill would force many companies to invest considerable capital in carbon-reducing technology – or, spend money purchasing carbon permits from the government.

Others disagree, explaining that money generated by permit sales would be reinvested into both alternative sources of energy and infrastructure for the next generation of jobs. "If you see this as a job-creation opportunity for the U. S. to develop the products that are then sold around the world, then you should be optimistic about what the impact of passage [of the bill currently before the House Energy and Commerce Committee] would mean for the American economy," said Representative Markey to AP.