EPA Phasing Out Climate Leaders

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will begin phasing out its Climate Leaders program during the next year. Since 2002, Climate Leaders has assisted almost 200 companies (“partners”) in developing “comprehensive climate change strategies,” mainly pertaining to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Companies within the program are guided, supported, and acknowledged by EPA as they quantify their emissions, identify reduction targets, and implement emissions reductions. A letter sent to partners last week indicated that the program is ending since states and NGOs have developed emissions reporting and reduction programs in the last few years that can meet the needs of the partners without the help of EPA.  EPA will also begin a mandatory greenhouse gas reporting program this coming January.  However, only the largest emitters will be regulated under it, leaving many of the Climate Leader partners without guidance, according to ClimateBiz, who also noted that two alternatives to the Climate Leaders program include The Climate Registry and the Carbon Disclosure Project.