The Climate Registry

1. The Climate Registry Joel Levin ECOS Annual Meeting September 16, 2007

2. What is a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry? • A GHG registry is a “bottom-up” database for accurately tracking emissions of GHGs by entity or facility. • It is different from a state-wide inventory which tracks data “top-down.” A top-down inventory—while broader--is less accurate and less useful for policy implementation.

3. The Climate Registry • The largest climate initiative in North America • States representing over 80% of U.S. population involved, along with Canadian provinces, Mexican states and Indian tribes • Its about precise accurate measurement • Critical first step to address climate change • European example-why measurement is important • It is policy neutral. Goal is to support policy decisions made by states—not to prescribe them • This is a big initiative—it will inform federal action

5. Background of the Climate Registry • Founded by discussions among states that had established or were interested in establishing state or regional GHG registries. • States were considering a variety of policies to reduce GHG emissions and an effective mechanism to track was the first step. • Incorporated in March 2007 in Washington, D.C. as a non-profit organization • Currently seeking organizations to be charter reporters and be recognized at the launch in January 2008

6. Key Principles of the Climate Registry • A common accounting standard and infrastructure to support state policies • Policy neutral—leave policy to the states • The recognized platform for credible and consistent GHG emissions reporting in North America across borders and industry sectors • Independent third-party verification • Public reporting while respecting business confidentiality

7. Value to states/tribes/provinces • Create accounting infrastructure to support their GHG policies • Cost effective—build on what is established • Collaborate with other jurisdictions • A voice in establishing national standards • Help companies to establish a baseline and demonstrate reductions

8. Benefits for organizations to reportto the Climate Registry • A cost effective means to measure GHG emissions • Document early actions for state or federal recognition • Prepare for potential regulation • Education for employees on GHG emissions • Save money on energy • Access to software and technical support • Recognition as a global environmental leader

9. Three Step Process • Gather data annually, input into web-based software • All 6 Kyoto gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6) • Direct: stationary, mobile, process and fugitive • Indirect: electricity and steam • Tracking mostly through utility bills and vehicle fuel • Verify data using third-party verifiers • Report bottom line data publicly

10. Protocol and Software Development • General reporting protocol being developed by Programs and Protocols Committee • Review by full board on October 19 then release for public comment • Software vendor is being selected by Software Working Group • Goal is to have it operational in March 2008

11. Summary of Key Recommendations from P&P Committee • Geographic boundaries • Full North American reporting—possibly will be transition period • Operational boundaries • Control-based reporting • May be additional rules for power sector

12. Summary of Key Recommendations from P&P Committee • Entity • Full entity reporting at the facility level • Subsidiaries may report but must identify parent corporation • Gases and Sources • All six gases, possibly a transition period for non-CO2 • Direct and indirect, biogenic reported separately

13. Summary of Key Recommendations from P&P Committee • Entity • Full entity reporting at the facility level • Subsidiaries may report but must identify parent corporation • Gases covered • All six gases, possibly a transition period for non-CO2

14. Summary of Key Recommendations from P&P Committee • De Minimis: 3% • Third-party verification: Required annually • Public reporting: Required—level of detail is still TBD (Note that some issues are awaiting further input from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee)

15. Costs of Company Participation Annual Participation Fee Annual Verification Fee Staff time

16. State Fees • Board determined to have a voluntary fee structure for states • Sliding scale based on population from $10,000 to $50,000 • About 2/3 have committed to contribute • For those states who have already paid—THANK YOU!!

17. How States Participate • Submit Statement of Principles and Goals signed by governor • Submit letter nominating a board member

18. Staffing the Climate Registry • For now, staff support is being provided by California Registry, NESCAUM, LADCO, and WRAP • In the coming months, the Climate Registry will begin hiring its own staff • Board Executive Committee has approved hiring staff as of October 1

19. Recruiting Voluntary Reporters • States are taking the lead in recruiting an initial group of reporters • Kick-off meetings are being held around the country over the next two months–starting tomorrow in Chicago • Come talk with me if you don’t have one scheduled yet and want help!

20. Upcoming Board Meetings • Board conference call: October 19, 10:00 PST • In person meeting: January 15-16, Santa Monica, CA

21. For more information Joel Levin: 213-891-6927 jlevin@climateregistry.org OR www.TheClimateRegistry.org