Global Warming Bills Should Address Environmental Justice

Global warming legislation should address environmental justice concerns related to the perception that emission trading programs cause disproportionate pollution from older, dirtier plants to negatively impact low-income and minority communities. Although carbon dioxide poses a global threat, old plants might still remain open in minority communities.

AAEA is recommending an Environmental Justice Allowance Reserve (EJAR) to address the racial 'Hot Spots' issue. 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. They would be awarded to utilities that undertake environmental justice practices and programs designed to promote carbon dioxide offsets. Utilities could choose to work with organizations and businesses that conduct environmental justice activities that reduce related emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. The EJAR should receive an allocation of 50 million allowances.

The EJAR program will leverage allowances and resources to promote environmental justice practices and projects designed to:

1) Increase the installation of pollution control equipment and carbon dioxide offsets,
2) Promote community education and
3) Enhance health-related activities.

Allowances are fully marketable commodities. Once allocated, allowances may be bought, sold, traded, or banked for use in future years. Contact us at: AfricanAmericanEnvironmentalist@msn.com