Mandatory carbon emissions reporting plan addresses climate change.
Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is more important than ever as the United States works with facilities to reduce substances known to adversely effect air quality. Most of the known matter that is destroying the earth’s ozone layer and contributing to global warming are derived from man made compounds.
The EPA recently announced a plan which covers the need for mandatory carbon emissions reporting and thus is aimed at controlling the levels of CO2 and other elements that directly lead to the problem of global warming. The EPA has further decided that carbon dioxide is so much of a problem to the public in general that it requires very strict regulation.
Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is required of manufacturers and facilities that use refrigerant gases and other regulated substances. These gases are known to have the potential to cause global warming. The gases listed in the government regulation are:
- carbon dioxide
- nitrous oxide
- methane
- hydrofluorocarbons
- sulfur hexafluoride
- perfluorocarbonbs
- and fluorinated gases like hydrofluorinated ethers and nitrogen trifluoride
The EPA’s mandatory carbon emissions reporting plan comes into effect in 2010. Companies must file a first report in 2011 covering the previous year. These requirements cover those facilities with HVAC systems, refrigeration and AC systems, companies that make industrial chemicals, as well as fossil fuels, engines and automobiles.
The following chemicals used in these industries have been identified as causing harm to the environment:
- chlorofluorocarbons
- hydrofluorocarbons
- halons
- methyl chloroform
- chlorine
- fluorine
- bromine
- and carbon tetrachloride amongst others.
Along with mandatory carbon emissions reporting, the U.S. Clean Air Act requires companies, facilities and municipalities to monitor, track and report on harmful substances, such as refrigerant gases, that are in use on their premises. Those who fail to comply with the requirements or submit incomplete information are subject to hefty fines and other penalties.
A number of ways exist to to assist a business to address mandatory carbon emissions reporting requirements. Manual tracking is available, with hand reporting, but as this method is very time-consuming and error-prone, companies may opt to use software programs and Web applications that will automate most of the requirements.
The use of such automation virtually ensures that the required reports are accurate and timely. A company that uses more than one system or has multiple facilities will benefit the most from the use of automatic monitoring systems.
Mandatory carbon emissions reporting will definitely lower this country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The government has said that 13,000 facilities are responsible for between 85 and 90% of the harmful substances in the air.
The United States, through the implementation of mandatory carbon emissions reporting, issue ensure that businesses reduce their carbon footprint and will help to ensure clean air for all. This initiative is being repeated at various locations worldwide with the aim of challenging climate change.
* * * * *
* * * * *
