In a new statement: "Addressing Climate Change - Principles and Policies," the Business Roundtable expressed its support for reducing net US GHG emissions by at least 80% from 2005 levels by 2050 consistent with these core principles:
- Align policy goals and GHG emissions reduction targets with scientific evidence.
- Increase global engagement, cooperation and accountability.
- Leverage market-based solutions wherever possible. (The BRT supports carbon pricing but doesn't endorse any specific market-based mechanism.)
- Provide for adequate transition time and long-term regulatory certainty.
- Preserve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, including avoiding economic and emissions “leakage.”
- Minimize social and economic costs for those least able to bear them.
- Support both public and private investment in low-carbon and GHG emissions reduction technologies along the full innovation pipeline.
- Minimize administrative burdens and duplicative policies while maximizing compliance flexibility.
- Ensure that U.S. policies account for international emissions reduction programs.
- Advance climate resilience and adaptation.
- Eliminate barriers to the deployment of emissions reduction technologies and low-carbon energy sources.
The statement backs voluntary, industry-supported disclosure of material risks and business opportunities that considers the leading disclosure frameworks. See this WSJ article. This post first appeared in the weekly Society Alert!