CARBON CREDITS AND CARBON MARKETS
Read Alison Wise's article about carbon markets for a clear understanding.
There are currently several carbon markets in existance. The largest market is the European Trading Scheme, or EU ETS, which was initiated by the Kyoto Protocol. Other markets include, or will include, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the Western Climate Initiative, the Australian Carbon Trading Scheme, and smaller markets as well. Here in Chester County, there are several options for buyers AND sellers of CO2 emissions.
Green Tags, or REC's are rights to 1,000 KWh's of energy (or, 1 MWh). The trouble with REC's are the doubt about verification: who has the authority, and technical ability, to substantiate a claim of "carbon neutrality," or "carbon capture?" Is owning a bicycle enough, or must you ride that bicycle to prove you have "saved" CO2 from entering our atmosphere? This is why a tax is necessary. A tax will level the playing field, pick no favorites other than cost, and the proceeds of the tax should be returned to each taxpaying citizen in the form of a "carbon rebate."
Here are a few providers of carbon credits, if you choose to purchase them. We offer no claims about the validity of these credits, but a suggestion would be to purchase from reliable providers, and to purchase as locally as possible.
PECO Wind
The Energy Co-Op
Native Energy
US Department of Energy has a good list.
Global Emissions Exchange
Green Energy Choice
Chicago Climate Exchange
White Tags, or energy efficiency credits, are an alternative to green tags, and have the same attributes. Here are some links: