§13385 National inventory and voluntary reporting of greenhouse gases

Summary

Not later than one year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary, using the Energy Information Administration (EIA), must make a national inventory showing total emissions of each greenhouse gas for each year of the baseline period 1987 through 1990. The EIA must update and study that inventory every year using data it already has or can get. This does not give the EIA new power to collect data. Not later than 18 months after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must, after public comment, create rules for voluntary reporting of greenhouse gas sources and reductions. The rules must cover emissions for the baseline years and for each later year, annual reductions and carbon capture from measures (for example fuel switching, forest management and tree planting, renewable energy and efficiency, cleaner vehicles, methane recovery, and CFC capture), reductions from voluntary actions, plant closings, or government rules, and an overall emissions total for each reporter. The EIA must make reporting forms, require reporters to certify their data, protect trade secrets under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4), and set up a database of the volunteered information within the same 18-month period. The Secretary must consult with the EPA as needed.