Who Should Regulate US Carbon Credits? EPA vs. DOE

brookings.edu

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Currently, no US federal agency has the legal authority to regulate project-based carbon credits. For the market to have official oversight, Congress would need to pass new legislation granting specific powers to a government body. Analysis suggests the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are the most qualified candidates. Both agencies possess the technical expertise and experience with emissions reporting needed to maintain credit integrity.

2 comments

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The gap between wanting integrity and having a statute is huge. Until Congress actually moves, we are just talking about theoretical frameworks while the voluntary market continues to wing it.

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. It is a lot of academic debate about which agency is a better fit when the reality is that zero of them can actually step in right now.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

If the DOE takes the lead, I wonder if they will prioritize credits for new tech over existing efficiency. Does the proposed framework account for the difference between a new DAC plant and a forest project?

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The report mentions technical expertise, but it does not specify how they would handle different credit types. That is a major detail missing from the summary.