ACES Act A Significant Step For Our Climate

Pres. Barack Obama moved closer to the achievement of a significant victory with the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the ACES Act, through the House of Representatives. The bill requires that utilities use more renewable energy and introduces a sliding scale of increased requirements through the year 2050. Whilst some states already require that utilities pay close attention to energy production in this way, the new Act takes this concept nationwide.

Supporters of the ACES Act maintain that its passage is a significant step towards stalling climate change and reducing carbon pollution. By the year 2020, alternative sources such as biofuel, solar, geothermal, waste reproduction and wind must account for 20% of all electricity production.

Part of the ACES Act includes the provision for a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions. This has been long called for by environmentalists and now sets a standard nationwide for reductions in the emission of harmful gases. Under this bill, companies will receive an allowance enabling them to emit greenhouse gases, but the allowances will be reduced as time goes by. To take into account a variety of different needs and wants, a proven cap and trade system will be introduced. This will give companies an incentive to reduce their emissions as soon as possible, thereby profiting from the sale of their excess allowances.

It is estimated that the proposed reduction in emission of greenhouse gases by the year 2020 will be akin to taking 500 million cars off the road. Major enterprises across the country are being pressed to reduce their reliance on fuels that caused the emission of the gases.

Additional, valuable jobs are anticipated within the manufacturing sector in addition to valuable investment in clean energy technology. The ACES Act, which is also known as Waxman/Markey – who are the two sponsors of the bill – proposes a certain amount of the given allowance be allocated to consumers. Tax credits, other payments and benefits will be passed directly to end-users through utility companies.

Forward looking companies are seeking the help of energy management initiatives and using special software programs which are designed to track, analyze and help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The passage of the ACES Act and further anticipated legislation will keep company management on their toes. They are looking at ways to use the cap and trade allowances to best effect for the future.

The passage of the ACES Act, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is very significant and continues the growing movement towards a reduction in greenhouse gases and the overall lowering of carbon pollution around the world.

The ACES Act has passed its first major hurdle by winning a narrow vote in the US House of Representatives. The bill must now go to the Senate where modifications are likely before a revised bill heads back for another vote in the House, prior to arriving at Pres. Obama’s desk.