Market-based Success in California?
The California Air Resources Board was “delighted” with the results of the state’s first carbon auction. Others also touted this market-based program as a success, and potentially a “model for the nation.”While such market-based environmental policy approaches are not new, some programs have had more success than others. Next week, at RFF’s final First Wednesday Seminar of 2012, panelists will review lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful applications of market-based policy, and discuss its desirability and feasibility for the future. Register today for “Whither Markets for Environmental Regulation of Air, Water, and Land?” on December 5 at RFF.
Mangroves in Qatar
As the 2012 UN Climate Change Conference gets underway in Doha, Qatar, the possible agreements that may (or may not) be reached are not the only source of debate. Since Doha “has the largest carbon footprint per person in the world,” some are questioning if this is the right location to host such a conference.
On the other hand, Qatar’s mangrove forests present a unique environmental opportunity. According to a new RFF report, protecting mangroves, salt marshes, and sea grass meadows—which store significant amounts of carbon—“may prevent the stored 42 billion tons of CO2 emissions from entering the air.” The authors also find that including “blue carbon” habitats in deforestation prevention programs may be the first step.
Flaring from Oil and Gas Development
Burning off the excess gases associated with drilling oil and natural gas wells—called “flaring”—is one option for managing the gas that is released as a result of these processes. Some companies have said that it’s a better option than venting the gas into the atmosphere.
Flaring and venting are both monitored by state regulators, but significant differences in regulatory requirements exist throughout the country. RFF’s Review of Shale Gas Regulations by State shows that some states—like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska—require flaring over venting, while others restrict the amount of gas that can be flared and the well development phases during which gas can be flared. Find RFF’s maps of flaring and venting regulations under the “Well Drilling and Production” section of the Review
