What next for climate change legislation?
At the end of June, the House of Representatives passed an historic climate change bill (the American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009, or “ACES”). Originally promising to take up similar legislation this month, the Senate has pushed back its consideration until September. And expect more push-back in the Senate than in the House: Senators from coal, farm, and factory states are expected to demand additional modifications to the bill to protect their constituencies, which could weaken the environmental protections in the House version.
While the final bill that Congress will vote on is unknown at this time, it’s clear that the new economy will include new, more environmentally conscious standards for all types of businesses. Both emerging and established businesses will need to invest in efficient technologies – ranging from energy efficient light bulbs and office equipment to water conservation measures and building construction and modification consistent with “greener” building codes – but these initial capital outlays can produce substantial payback in cost savings, and in relatively short order. “Green” won’t be trendy forever; soon it will be a government mandate. So businesses, take note: the smart money is on getting out in front and starting to change your business now. You get to change your business practices gradually, which makes it more affordable for your business; you can take advantage of the “green” trend; and – most important of all – your business practices can help preserve our planet.
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