An international carbon trading system is developing, and U.S. companies and NGOs are exploring strategies for managing and mitigating carbon emissions. Investments in carbon-friendly forests, rangelands, and agricultural practices are being undertaken, or contemplated, in many quarters - both in the U.S. and globally.
The Environmental Law Institute and the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources hosted a seminar on February 5, 2003 to explore this emerging system. David Hayes (Latham & Watkins former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Interior) moderated an expert panel including, David Sandalow (Executive Vice President, World Wildlife Fund, former Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Environment, U.S. Department of State), William Edmonds (Director of Environmental Policy, PacifiCorp), and Ken Andrasko (EPA, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Sequestration Team leader). These distinguished speakers discussed the prospects for biological carbon sequestration investments and trading opportunities, and the potential risks and rewards associated with pursuing such strategies.
David J. Hayes and Nicholas Gertler co-authored “The Role of Carbon Sequestration in the U.S. Response to Climate Change-Challenges and Opportunities” for the Environmental Law Reporter identifying some of the key policy issues that were discussed in this seminar.