States to track greenhouse gas emissions

Washington -- Thirty-one U.S. states have joined together to start measuring and tracking greenhouse gas emissions by major industries.

The Climate Registry, which will include third-party verification, will be a key to future regulation of industrial emissions that contribute to global warming, state officials, environmentalists and industrial groups say.

"You have to be able to count carbon pollution in order to cut carbon pollution," Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, told The Los Angeles Times. "The registry gives business and policymakers an essential accounting tool for tracking the success of the many emerging global warming emission reduction initiatives that are blossoming across the country."

Bob Malone, chairman and president of the energy corporation BP America, said a credible reporting system of greenhouse gas emissions "is the first step in developing government policy and corporate programs."

The new registry, which is to be based in Washington with regional offices, will start tracking data in January. It will be financed by industry fees, foundation donations and public money.

In addition to the 31 states, the Campo Kumeyaay Nation of American Indians in Campo, Calif., and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba also have joined.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.