Duke Experts: USCAP Blueprint for Climate Protection Is “Equitable Solution to a Difficult Problem”

Contacts: Tim Profeta, (919) 613-8709, tim.profeta@duke.edu
Brian C. Murray, (919) 613-8709, bcmurray@duke.edu

January 15, 2009

DURHAM, N.C. – Policy analysts at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions say the climate protection initiative announced today on Capitol Hill by members of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) is “an equitable solution to a difficult problem,” and sends “a unified signal” that environmentalists and industrialists alike support federal cap-and-trade legislation to address climate change.

“Capitol Hill offices and major stakeholders have for some time sought out the Nicholas Institute for guidance on pivotal issues relating to a Carbon Market Board, offsets and cost containment measures. We’re encouraged that these measures are considered in the USCAP blueprint,” said Tim Profeta, director of the Nicholas Institute.

“The President-elect campaigned for meaningful action on climate and reinforced this message repeatedly since the election. Now, days before inauguration, major industrialists and environmentalists send him a unified signal of confidence in that goal,” Profeta said. “This is a broad coalition that deliberated with great rigor and seriousness. USCAP's work should embolden Americans coming to this pivotal issue for the first time."

Brian C. Murray, director for economic analysis at the Nicholas Institute, said, “A central question of climate policy is how can we limit carbon emissions and promote economic growth? USCAP has found an equitable solution to a difficult problem. A comprehensive carbon cap-and-trade system, with a robust market for carbon offsets and strong provisions to contain costs, should simultaneously ratchet down carbon emissions, spur new low-carbon technology, and allow continued economic growth."

USCAP is a coalition of 32 corporations and environmental organizations.

The Nicholas Institute is a nonpartisan institute founded in 2005 to engage with decision makers in government, the private sector, and the nonprofit community to develop innovative proposals that address critical environmental challenges. The institute’s staff leverages the broad expertise of Duke University as well as public and private partners nationwide.