Research Reports

The Environmental Law Institute surveyed existing AIJ projects under the United States Initiative on Joint Implementation (USIJI) and AIJ projects initiated from other countries. The survey looked for evidence of transparent mechanisms and public involvement in decision-making. In addition, ELI examined development projects analogous to the AIJ framework, such as multilateral development bank investments and environmental fund investments, that included participatory elements.

This study examined the laws of the fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to identify and analyze enforceable mechanisms for the control of nonpoint source water pollution. An enforceable mechanism consists of a standard applicable to an identified entity or entities; a sanction such as a civil, criminal, or administrative penalty, loss of a license, and performance of required remedial action, but not mere loss of an incentive; and a process, either explicit or implied, for applying the standard and imposing the sanction.

This report provides an overview of early indoor air quality programs in four states and one local government – California, Florida, Minnesota, Vermont, and Montgomery County (Maryland). The report describes the agencies involved, the key factors affecting development of the programs, and the types of program activities they implemented.

This report discusses specific lessons learned from the Acid Rain Program, contained in Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA), that apply to an emissions cap and allowance trading system for greenhouse gases (GHGs). Chapter II discusses the basic design features in applying an emissions cap and allowance trading system to emissions of CO2, methane and other GHGs. Chapter III evaluates lessons from Title IV, and discusses specific issues in establishing a similar regulatory system for GHGs.

This report presents the results of research conducted by the Environmental Law Institute, in collaboration with Environmental Business International (EBI). Together, ELI and EBI have studied the research and development practices of environmental technology developers, as well as how government actions could best support these technology development efforts.