Review of Options for Addressing Challenges to Carbon Offset Quality
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report that explores key challenges in assessing the quality of different types of carbon offsets that produce reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in one place to compensate for emissions elsewhere. The report also examines options for addressing key challenges associated with offset quality if the United States adopted a program to limit emissions.
Examples of offset projects include planting trees, developing renewable energy sources, or capturing emissions from landfills. According to the GAO, “recent congressional proposals would have limited emissions from utilities, industries, or other “regulated entities,” and allowed these entities to buy offsets. Research suggests that offsets can significantly lower the cost of a program to limit emissions because buying offsets may cost regulated entities less than making the reductions themselves.”
This Summary Last Modified On: 4/22/2011