The Business Council is pushing for the defeat of S.4315-C in this final week of session. The bill would require the Department of Environmental Conservation to impose restrictions on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions from any source, including but not limited to manufacturing, power generation, fuel processing and others. Presumably, this authority could also be applied to residential and commercial buildings, on- and off-road vehicles, and other sources.

Moreover, the bill mandates that emissions by 2013 not exceed “aggregate levels of greenhouse gas emissions” for 1990, and mandate further emission reductions after that date-20% reduction by 2020; 40% reduction by 2030 and 80% reduction by 2050. This limit would be “enforceable.”

This bill is on the list for possible passage. We have been in discussion with the sponsor and Senate staff urging significant modifications to the bill or to delay passage this year. We need the business community to reach out provide information on what impact this bill would have on business operations if it were to pass.

We urge you to contact your senator’s office and tell them not to pass this bill.

Staff Contact: Marcus Ferguson