PCAP - Presidential Climate Action Project

interference with the climate system.” 86 Further, Annex I countries (the U.S. is an Annex Icountry) have the following commitment: “the aim of returning individually or jointly to their1990 levels these anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases notcontrolled by the Montreal Protocol.” 87The following is a brief summary of some additional legislation that is relevant to each of theproposals. This is in addition to the authority identified above.1) Reduce CO 2 emission at least 80% by 2050, compared to 1990, and at least 25% by2020.2. Establish aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.PCAP recommends greenhouse gas reduction goals along the lines ofthose framed by the Nicholas Institute at Duke University. The UnitedStates and other developed nations should begin cutting greenhouse gasemissions immediately to achieve reductions of 80%-90% by 2050. From2011 to 2020, greenhouse gas emission reductions in the United Statesshould average 3% annually, compared with 2010 levels. Thosereductions should be achieved by harvesting the economy’s low-hangingfruit – large gains in energy efficiency and the deployment of currentlyavailable low-emission energy supply technologies. This would reducenational greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2020. PCAP Report 2:3.The U.S. commitment under the UNFCCC closely parallels this target. The U.S. along withother Annex I countries are committed to “the aim of returning individually or jointly to their1990 levels these anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases notcontrolled by the Montreal Protocol.” 88 This includes a commitment to “take climate changeconsiderations into account, to the extent feasible, in . . . relevant social, economic andenvironmental policies and actions,” and “adopt national policies and take correspondingmeasures on the mitigation of climate change, by limiting its anthropogenic emissions ofgreenhouse gases. . . . “ 89 In addition, one of the five goals in the LCES is “the stabilization andeventual reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases.” 90 Further, it seems unavoidable thatCO 2 as well as other GHGs will be regulated as pollutants under the CAA. See Proposal B-14.The primary purpose of CAA regulation is to reduce the emission of such air pollutants.2) Reduce national petroleum consumption 50% by 2020, with no increase in domesticproduction.1. Recalibrate the national energy policy.86 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Art. 2 (1992), (hereinafter “UNFCCC”).87 Id. at art. 4(2)(b).88 Id. at art. 4(2)(b).89 Id. at art. 4(1)(f), (2)(a).90 42 U.S.C. § 13382(a)(2).CEES 20 | P age