Western Climate Initiative Releases Offset Validation Proposal

by James Holtkamp

On June 7, 2011, the Western Climate Initiative released draft recommendations for offset project review and approval and for creation of credits in the WCI regional emissions trading program. Under the proposal, offsets meeting certain criteria can be used for compliance with the WCI GHG reduction requirements. In order to be eligible for use in the cap-and-trade program, the offsets will have to validated under rigorous protocols and be subject to a transparent stakeholder involvement process. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until July 8, 2011.