Introduction to the role of Government The October 2008 “Bailout” Bill The Federal Stimulus Package and Beyond Case Study: Palm Desert The Green Legal View Hunter Lovins, Green Leader

Stimulating long-term economic growth. Protecting resources for the future Providing the health and welfare

Food

• FDA, USDA & the Organic Food Act Air and water

• EPA, Clean Air Act & Clean Water Act Energy

• DOE Buildings

• Local and Building Codes

USCAP NRDC• Protection natural resources (the oceans, curbing

water pollution

Cap & trade system• Cap Reducing carbon dioxide(CO2 ) and other

greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 by 2050

$700 billion included other initiatives:

• Tax credit (1.5 cents for KWH)

• Extension of solar investment tax credit for 8 years(30% tax credit)

• Energy-efficient buildings tax deduction ($1.8 per square foot)

• Recycling (accelerated depreciation)

Stimulus package include:

• $80 billion for green business 2009

• Grants instead of tax

• Larger credit for alternative fuel from 30% to 50 %

• Manufacturing credit 30%

• Plug-in vehicle credit $2,500 per car &

• Recycling (accelerated depreciation)

Direct spending on Green projects:

• Federal building efficiency $4.5 B

• Electrical grid $4.5 B

• Research funding $2.5 B

• Mass transit $8.4 B

• High speed rail $8 B

• State energy grants $6.3 B

City Director of Energy Management, Pat Conlon – goal to reduce city’s power use 30% in 5 years

• Programs to entice people to invest in energy efficiency

•Save money•Help the environment

• Palm Desert is also putting together a sustainability plan

•Water conservation•Natural gas fleet vehicles for public transit

•Recycling program

Get or Consult a Lawyer Address concerns/issues before they

become a big problem

Naming/Incorporating Your BusinessRaising Money – Terms of Investment

Government RegulationsChange frequently, growing business

Government Action on Climate Change (2008)

• States and Cities• Regional Initiatives• EPA – Getting Congress Involved

http://www.govtrackinsider.com/articles/2010-04-27/climate-change

Climate Change Regulation without Effecting the EconomyWith the right incentives, higher prices hurt the

economy before they change behaviorWell structured incentives can save a lot of

energyFailure to implement energy savings is hurting

the economy Business Impact of Reducing Greenhouse Gas

EmissionsEarly adaptors have profitedLeaders in sustainability have 25% higher stock

value than competitorshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h8_uzmrC2g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Oag20nGMs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEmIsizBRi8&feature=related

http://www.business.gov/we-have-moved.html

http://www.sba.gov/content/environmental-permits