Recorded: Thursday, May 7, 2009

90 minutes

Background  |  Panelists and Topics  |  Who will benefit |  Order 

Unlock your copy of this roundtable discussion as four subject matter experts examine the strategic, financial and regulatory issues surrounding a national carbon policy.

Background

Although the current administration's FY 2010 budget assumes revenues of about $645 billion by 2019 from the proceeds of a carbon emissions trading program, passage of climate change legislation is far from complete.

Even among lawmakers who support climate change legislation, policy questions remain. Should 100% of the allowances to emit carbon dioxide be auctioned, as the administration's plan calls for? How quickly should reductions of CO2 from the nation's coal-fired plants be phased in? What reduction targets can be achieved with today's technology?

Should the United States adopt a mandatory, national renewable electricity standard before attempting to force emissions reductions? What are the tangible and intangible impacts of attempts to market carbon credits to the energy industry and how can these be assessed?

With only diverse European programs providing practical experience, the U.S. looks to be moving firmly toward a carbon cap and trade system. Utilities, industry, ratepayers and tax payers have much riding on the outcome.

Order your copy of this 90-minute interactive discussion of the key policy issues and their impact on U.S. utilities practice.

Panelists and Topics

Jerry Bloom, Partner, Chair, Energy Practice, Winston & Strawn

Bruce H. Braine, Vice President, Strategic Policy Analysis, American Electric Power

Boris Brevnov, Vice President, Corporate Development, Integrys Energy Group

Ross Warner, Director, Commodities Group, Credit Suisse

Randy Rischard (moderator), Director, Energy Markets and News, SNL Financial

• -	The effect of carbon policy uncertainty on the decision-making frameworks of utilities
  -	How the current uncertainty is affecting lender investment decisions
  -	Implications of final policy decisions on future financing
  -	The legal and compliance issues to be faced in structuring carbon programs
  -	The impact of regulatory oversight
  -	The key operational and implementation issues for utilities in the carbon policy debates

Who will benefit

Professionals who work in, advise, regulate or finance utility and power companies involved in the carbon market, including:

• -	Operations and strategic planners
  -	Corporate development and finance
  -	Bankers and investors in carbon markets
  -	Emissions offset traders
  -	State and federal regulatory staff
  -	Environmental, health and safety planners

CFA Institute

1.5 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

SNL Center for Financial Education is registered with CFA Institute as an Approved Provider of professional development programs. This program is eligible for 1.5 CE credit hours as granted by CFA Institute. If you are a CFA Institute member, CE credit for your participation in this program will be automatically recorded in your CE Diary.

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