Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mandatory carbon emissions reporting plan addresses climate change.

By Daniel Stouffer

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 manmade compounds.

Around the country a comprehensive initiative, which includes mandatory carbon emissions reporting has been introduced by the EPA with the intention of controlling carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases that affect the ozone layer. The powerful government agency has stated that carbon dioxide is a great danger to the health of the public in general and will be strictly regulated.

Corporations and facilities that use regulated substances and produce refrigerant gases on a regular basis face mandatory carbon emissions reporting requirements. Refrigerant gases are known to contribute to the problem of global warming. The EPA regulations cover hydrofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbons and other fluorinated gases including 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 business can address mandatory carbon emissions reporting in two ways. Monitoring and tracking can be handled manually and the reports completed by hand. However this approach can be very time-consuming and error-prone, and many will opt to use a software program or a web-based application to automatically handle the monitoring and tracking requirements. Automation helps to ensure that reports are accurate and timely. Automation is also cost-effective and much more efficient for companies with multiple operational locations or 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.

Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is one way the United States is ensuring that businesses reduce their carbon footprint and ensure healthy air for everyone. Similar efforts are also being taken worldwide as a means of addressing the challenge of climate change.

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