Center for Clean Air Policy

Success in the United States

Within the United States, CCAP has four programs that try to involve different subjects in a profitable discussion about the environment. The Climate Policy Initiative collaborates with leading companies; federal, state, and local governments; and environmental organizations to discuss and advance national climate policy solutions. The scheme intends to function as a forum to educate chief industry and government officials on the extent of the climate problem, and develop a set of pragmatic long-term mitigation and adaptation solutions for climate change in the United States. The Urban Leaders Initiative is a partnership with six large counties and cities to prevent climate change impacts through smart land use and infrastructure planning. Advancing Climate Action in California assists the state in designing climate solutions through analysis and assessing mitigation options. CCAP's independent analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation options for California concluded that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2010 could be met at no net cost to California consumers.

The successes in California led CCAP to launch a comprehensive program to develop and implement climate change plans in key states, and pave the way for a strong federal approach. Through a combination of technical analysis and facilitation, CCAP is working with key states at different [Page 215]stages of climate change action to further climate change programs. This initiative deals with greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of the economy, including transportation and land use, electricity generation, industry, buildings, agriculture, and forestry, and examines the full range of measures. The Transportation and Smart Growth Program focuses on transportation and land-use policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. This program also stresses the importance of transportation and planning efforts internationally.

CCAP has three major international initiatives in Europe, Asia, Central America, and South America. The Dialogue on Future International Actions to Address Global Climate Change combines in-depth analysis and development of policy options. A parallel program to the domestic Climate Policy Initiative, the European Climate and Energy Dialogue aims at developing medium- to long-term climate change, energy, and finance policy for the European Union. Finally, the Developing Countries Project entails collaboration with research teams in China, India, Brazil, and Mexico to identify technologies and approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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