§13385 National Inventory and Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases

Summary

The Secretary, using the Energy Information Administration (EIA), must make a national inventory of the total emissions of each greenhouse gas for each year of the baseline period 1987 through 1990 within one year after October 24, 1992. The EIA must update and study that inventory every year using available data. This does not give any new authority to collect data. Within 18 months after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must, after public comment, issue rules for voluntary reporting of greenhouse gas information. The rules must cover emissions for the 1987–1990 baseline and yearly after that; annual reductions from actions such as fuel switching, forest management and tree planting, renewable energy, cleaner vehicles, appliance and energy efficiency, methane recovery, cogeneration, CFC capture or replacement, and power plant improvements; cuts from voluntary efforts, plant or facility closings, or State/Federal requirements; and a total emissions figure for each reporter. The rules must account for different gases’ strengths and lifetimes. The EIA must provide reporting forms and create a database of reports within 18 months after October 24, 1992. Reporters must certify their data. Trade secrets and confidential commercial or financial information are protected under section 552(b)(4) of title 5. The Secretary must consult with the EPA Administrator as appropriate.