Climate Change News

	Chris Perrault, Senior Director of Climate Change

Climate Change Policy Update
In the following audio segments, Chris Perrault, Senior Director of Climate Change at Direct Energy, discusses current climate change policy issues; where we are and what we can expect in terms of federal legislation; what efforts have been made at a state, regional and provincial level; and what type of impact we can expect once federal legislation is in place. In addition, learn more about what Direct Energy is doing and what your business can do now to prepare for the changes related to future climate change policy.

Audio Broadcast #1:
In 2009, we heard a lot of news around climate change. One of the most newsworthy climate initiatives last year was the Copenhagen International Conference on Climate Change. Learn more about some of the results of that conference, along with the regional, state and provincial policies and initiatives that have been implemented involving both voluntary and mandatory emissions reductions.

Audio Broadcast #2:
The Obama Administration deems climate change to be one of the top issues to tackle in the upcoming months. Learn more about where Congress is in terms of a federal policy as well as Direct Energy’s position on the proposed climate change approaches.

Audio Broadcast #3:
When it comes to carbon regulation, it’s not a matter of “if” but rather “when." Learn more about the potential impact and what you can do now to prepare for future policy changes. In addition, find out more about what Direct Energy is doing to lower its carbon footprint.

EPA Issues Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule
In response to the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Public Law 110–161), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. The rule requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States and is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to influence future policy decisions.

Under the rule, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions are required to submit annual reports to the EPA. The gases covered by the proposed rule are:

• carbon dioxide (CO2)
• methane (CH4)
• nitrous oxide (N2O)
• hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)
• perfluorocarbons (PFC)
• sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
• other fluorinated gases, including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE)

The final rule was signed by the Administrator on Sept. 22, 2009 and the final rule was published in the Federal Register under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0508-2278 on Oct. 30, 2009. The rule will be effective as of Dec. 29, 2009.

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