Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change (2010) / Chapter Skim
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8 Policy Durability and Adaptability
8 Policy Durability and Adaptability
Pages 215-224
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From page 215... ...
It is therefore crucial that any major climate change policies enacted by Congress include flexible, adaptable mechanisms for responding to new information. At the same time, however, it is crucial to ensure that the policies enacted are durable -- that is, properly enforced and resistant to subsequent distortion and undercutting.
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From page 216... ...
As explained in Chapter 4, this rationale may, in some cases, provide a basis for preferring a cap-and-trade scheme, which creates property rights in holders of emissions allowances. Similarly, regulatory policies that spur technological innovation can create a constituency for ongoing federal regulation, something that has occurred previously, for instance, with hazardous waste regulation and reformulated gasoline requirements (Lazarus, 2004; Revesz, 2001)
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From page 217... ...
Staffing concerns also relate to the question of policy durability discussed above. In order to reduce the likelihood that policies are undermined by special interests or waning public attention, Congress could help buffer the policies from the annual appropriations process and ensure adequate funding levels by providing agencies with self-financing for staffing purposes (Lazarus, 2004)
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From page 218... ...
For example, if federal credits are tradable with state credits, this would raise complicated questions if the federal and state programs differed regarding what constitutes an eligible resource. It seems wise, in this case, for the agency designated to administer an RPS to be given regulatory authority to promote flexibility in the administration of state programs while ensuring that efforts to harmonize state and federal programs do not lead to undermining the effectiveness of the RPS.
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From page 219... ...
Example 2: Implementation of Appliance Efficiency Standards Appliance efficiency standards will likely be part of the national policy portfolio for reducing GHG emissions. The DOE has long had authority to issue appliance standards and is required by statute to periodically reevaluate and reissue new standards for a large number of residential and commercial products.
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From page 220... ...
In addition, the wide array of national and subnational entities involved in addressing this issue may render an agency-level reporting mechanism impractical. Regardless of the exact mechanism used, this sort of reporting requirement would serve the purpose of creating a focal point for decisions on climate change and an opportunity for advocates on all sides to attract attention to their criticisms and ideas for policy change.
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From page 221... ...
For example, CAA Section 108 requires the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants that "may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare." By including within the statute a broad definition of "pollutants" (and setting a scientific threshold for adding new pollutants that is neither negligible nor unreasonably high)
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From page 222... ...
An example of another policy evolution mechanism is Japan's Top Runner Program, which uses progress in the commercial development of efficiency technology for vehicles and appliances to set efficiency standards. The program works by using the energy performance of the best available technology on the market to set standards.
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From page 223... ...
The process would be particularly useful if it includes requirements for the responsible implementing agencies to act upon pertinent new information gained through this reporting mechanism.
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