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Many in the business community have questions about the current greenhouse gas legislation under discussion in the nation's Capitol. In response, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is presenting two educational webinars. This first session will focus on the dialogue taking place in the U.S. about limiting greenhouse gas emissions and a look at how Illinois businesses may be impacted "in theory." The second session will explore the current cap-and-trade system currently in place "across the pond" in Great Britain for a look at such a system already "in practice."

In the U.S., Congress is considering proposed legislation that creates a federal cap-and-trade system which would establish an overall limit on greenhouse gas emissions in which emitters must purchase allowances to emit GHGs, providing economic incentives to encourage the reduced use of these harmful emissions. The version of cap-and-trade legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives is bundled with other key initiatives such as the Renewable Electricity Standard, energy efficiency mandates and performance standards. Since the House passage, the debate in the Senate has been intense despite taking a back seat to health care and financial services reform. Now more than ever, various "sides" in the debate are advocating their policies and positions on cap-and-trade and comprehensive energy reform. Senators Kerry, Lieberman and Graham have presented their "tri-partisan" framework for climate change legislation, while Senators Cantwell and Collins have introduced cap-and-dividend legislation that directly returns most revenues to the American taxpayer.

You are cordially invited to this webinar summarizing the House-passed Waxman-Markey legislation outlining a cap-and-trade program, as well as prospects for Senate policy and how U.S. initiatives fit into international efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental adaptation. This complimentary program is sponsored by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and presented by B&D; Consulting.

The professionals from Washington, D.C.-based B&D; Consulting have an extensive background of working on climate legislation with clients and Congress and will provide a timely and unique perspective on:

• A broad description of the House-passed bill and Senate alternatives;
• How elected officials and their staffs respond to various inputs;
• Where and how they collect information in support of their supporting arguments;
• Partisan strategies; and
• The importance of securing advocacy representation prior to finalization of the bill.

The webinar, which includes a question-and-answer segment, will be presented by:

Andy Ehrlich, Senior Vice President and leader of B&D; Consulting's energy and climate change practice. Andy represents numerous clients on the Boxer-Kerry cap-and-trade legislation as well the current Waxman-Markey ACES bill.

Andrew Wheeler, Senior Vice President at B&D; Consulting and former Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, the committee which has jurisdiction over climate change programs. Andrew has worked extensively on these issues. Having led committee and floor debates three times, he is uniquely positioned to place cap-and-trade in context with other environmental and energy measures, giving participants a comprehensive look at a cap-and-trade program's role in the transformation of our economy and our nation's energy platform.

Questions? Contact Corey Garver at [email protected].

This event is presented free of charge, however, you must register in advance to receive the login instructions for attending remotely. Login instructions will be e-mailed to you prior to the webinar.