Whether one agrees or disagrees with the science of global warming, it is apparent that sooner or later greenhouse gas emissions will be, at least, monitored and most probably, limited by regulation. In Europe carbon dioxide emissions limits and trading are already a fact of life, and in the USA the current administration is actively pursuing similar legislation. The "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" (HR 2454) was passed by the House of Representatives in June 2010. This act calls for the progressive reduction of greenhouse gases to 17% of their 2005 levels by 2050. If signed into law as it presently stands, the immediate effect would be a reduction to 97% of 2005 levels by 2012. The method of achieving these goals will first require an inventory of emissions, followed by the introduction of a cap and trade system, establishing a market for greenhouse gas emissions. This article examines what this will mean for the US glass industry.
