 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(CO 2 ) 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 Business Raising Money – Terms of Investment  Government Regulations Change frequently, growing business

 Government Action on Climate Change (2008) States and Cities Regional Initiatives EPA – Getting Congress Involved /climate-change

 Climate Change Regulation without Effecting the Economy With the right incentives, higher prices hurt the economy before they change behavior Well structured incentives can save a lot of energy Failure to implement energy savings is hurting the economy  Business Impact of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Early adaptors have profited Leaders in sustainability have 25% higher stock value than competitors

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