- Regarding “cap-and-trade” programs: “In a CO2 cap-and-trade program, the government would cap the amount of total carbon dioxide emissions–it is an energy-rationing scheme that acts as an energy tax. Regulated parties would have to own a permit to emit each ton of CO2. If a regulated entity does not have enough permits, it can buy permits from other regulated entities.”
- Regarding two requirements for utility companies to meet an “environmental portfolio standard”: “The first requirement is a renewable portfolio standard that requires utilities to provide a certain percentage of their electricity through renewable sources. A renewable energy credit allows utilities to purchase electricity from renewable energy providers, even from out-of-state providers that generate electricity for out-of-state residents only. The second requirement mandates that utilities achieve energy efficiency savings–basically a reduction in expected energy use at some future date.”
- Regarding rebates and “feebates” designed to change the mix of vehicles on North Carolina’s roads: “This is another tax on vehicles. The tax would increase based on CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, ‘and/or other measures of a vehicle’s environmental impacts.’ The purpose of this recommendation … is to change the types of cars that are purchased and sold.”
- Regarding the complex term “Multi-Modal Transportation and Promotion”: “More funding would be provided for public transit, including rail. There also would be a focus on what is called ‘transit-oriented development,’ which is grounded in the belief that communities should be developed to meet the needs of transit as opposed to transit meeting the needs of communities.”
- Regarding a new insurance mandate: “The state would require insurance companies to provide pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) insurance. It also would require all drivers eventually to have this type of insurance. PAYD insurance ties the cost of premiums to an individual’s amount of driving–the more you drive, the more you pay.”
- Regarding a public education campaign: “A public education campaign about greenhouse gas emissions would target policymakers and state agencies, educators and students, community leaders and local organizations, industry, and the general public,” according to Bakst’s report. “[The Climate Action Plan Advisory Group] recommends that public education ‘efforts should commence as rapidly as possible.'”
