On May 16, 2007, Governor Otter issued Executive Order 2007-05, which directed the Department of Environmental Quality to:

• Complete a statewide emissions inventory
• Work with state government to implement greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions within each agency
• Provide recommendations to the Governor
• Serve as a central point for coordinating GHG reduction-related efforts and information for the state

 Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

 Methane (CH4)

 Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

 Fluorinated Gases

The United States and China emit close to the same amount of carbon dioxide and are #1 and #2 in the world for total emissions. Each is responsible for approximately 25% of the total emissions.

Idaho is one of the states with the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide (47th); however, Idaho's gross greenhouse gas emissions increased approximately 31% from 1990 to 2005, while national emissions rose by only 16% over the same period. Activities in Idaho accounted for approximately 37 million metric tons of gross carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Idaho’s primary sources by sector are transportation, agriculture, residential, commercial and industrial fuel use, and electricity consumption.

 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Working Group

The director of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Toni Hardesty, has requested that every state government department and agency identify a point of contact from their organization to be a part of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Working Group. Collaboratively, the GHG Working Group will focus on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from state government agencies, while the individuals representing each state department and agency will focus directly on opportunities for greenhouse gas reductions within their specific agency. 

The GHG Working Group held its first meeting on August 17, 2007. Deadlines were established for each state agency to complete a baseline inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions and to create agency action plans to reduce those emissions. Plans have been drafted and DEQ is currently working with each agency to finalize them.

 State Vehicle Fuel Use and Emissions

Recognizing that emissions from vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas gases in Idaho as well as a major source of air pollution in Idaho’s urban areas, Governor Otter issued Executive Order 2007-21 on December 21, 2007. The order establishes a policy to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions from state vehicles.

The policy directs all state agencies to decrease the amount of gasoline and diesel used in state vehicles by increasing vehicle fuel economy,increasing operating efficiency, and reducing the number of miles driven by employees. In addition, it directs state government to minimize purchase or lease of sports utility vehicles and to give priority to the purchase and use of hybrid gas/electric and other fuel efficient/low emission and new petroleum efficient technology vehicles.

Implementation of the policy will be monitored through quarterly reports to the Governor and DEQ.

 Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee

Idaho's Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee was formed by the Idaho Legislature in 2002 to address growing concerns related to carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. As set forth in Idaho Code section 22-5202, the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission (ISCC) was selected to facilitate committee activities as set forth in Idaho Code section 22-5202.

The committee is currently partnering with several carbon sequestration entities, including the National Carbon Offset Coalition and the Big Sky Regional Partnership, in an effort develop a viable carbon market for Idaho's private ag and forest landowners.

> Link to more information on the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Commitee.

 The Climate Registry

Idaho has become a member of The Climate Registry, which is a collaboration between states, provinces, and tribes aimed at developing and managing a common greenhouse gas emissions accounting system that is capable of supporting various greenhouse gas emission reporting and reduction policies.  As a member of The Climate Registry Idaho will: 

• Work to establish and endorse voluntary statewide greenhouse gas emissions reporting and verifications system.
• Work to identify a set of greenhouse gas emission minimum data quantification standards.
• Provide an accurate, complete, consistent, transparent and verified set of greenhouse gas emissions data, supported by a robust accounting and verification infrastructure.

For more information on The Climate Registry, visit www.theclimateregistry.org.

For more information on climate change, what you can do at home and at work to help, and what is being done nationally, visit the following web sites. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Information on U.S. climate policy, climate change science, greenhouse gas emissions, health and environmental effects, and what you can do at home. 

ENERGY STAR

A government program that offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment.

Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Renewables

A database of Idaho-specific financial incentives; rules, regulations and policies, and related programs and initiatives for those wishing to invest in either energy efficiency or renewable energy.

Green Power Network: Buying Green Power in Your State

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Green Power Network provides news and information on green power markets and related activities and state-by-state information on green power marketing and utility pricing programs.