Voluntary Action Already a Success
The nation's automakers are producing products powered by natural gas, electricity. flexible
fuels and electric-diesel hybrid engines and are
currently testing concept vehicles powered by
no emission fuel-cell engines.
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Oil producers are identifying technology
strategies aimed at reducing emissions, as well
as actually cutting carbon emissions through
process improvements. Process improvements
include highly efficient compressors, batteryreinjection systems, steam power from cogeneration, more efficient and safer pipeline
technology, flare reduction and emissions
recovery technologies and dual-action extraction
pumps that separate oil and water underground.
Electric utilities will have reduced greenhouse
gas emissions by 170 million tons through
efficiency and process improvements by 2000.
Some of these initiatives at home and abroad
include: International Utility Emciency
Partnerships, Electricity for Sustainable
Development, technology-based capital venture
funds, wind power programs, the Geothermal
Heat Pump Consortium, E-Seal (energy-efficient
housing), UtiliTree (reforestatiodcarbon
management programs), EV America (electric
vehicles) and biomass technology.
The steel industry also expects to reduce
emissions through the effective utilization
of materials, improved processes and new
technologies. They have already reduced energy
consumption by 45 percent since 1975.
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Coal producers have increased efficiency and
reduced emissions through Clean Coal
Technology and crosscutting technologies.
These efforts include developing technologies
that reduce carbon emissions to near zero and
sequester additional emissions, improve worker
safety and minimize exposure to risk, improve
methods of locating reserves with minimal
environmental disturbance and maintain and
create new markets for clean, recyclable and
transportable products. A number of programs
aimed at limiting emissions currently exist
including coal reburning, pulse combustion,
mild gasification and gas reburning, flue gas
cleaning and self scrubbing coal.
Members of the forest and paper industry
have been the leading advocates of common
sense reforestation and sustainable foresw.
These methods of forest management have
provided a new avenue for carbon sequestration. Led by the American Forest & Paper
Association, their efforts have been recognized
by the Clinton Administration and key members of the environmental community.
The cement industry, with processes such as
continuous casting, has maintained production
while reducing energy use by nearly 30 percent.
Chemical manufacturers are promoting a
number of cost-effective efforts to reduce
emissions and improve eflciency,
The aluminum industry has forged agreements
to reduce emissions 40 to 60 percent by 2000.

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 More Exciting Voluntary Advances Continue to
Appear on the Horizon:
These and other voluntary programs are meeting
important environmental challenges without
imposing burdensome new rules on the economy.
They bring out the best in our people: innovation,
cooperation, flexibility and opportunity.
Automakers are continuing to devote ample
resources to cleaner burning fuels, vehicles and
powertrains. They are also using lightweight
aluminum and other materials to increase mileage
and reduce emissions.
Steel-makers are perfecting an ultra-light steel
autobody that will further increase energy
efficiency without jeopardizing safety or comfort.
The coal industry is working with government
to find efficient ways to recover energy from
the methane in mines, as well as improve its
processes.
Utilities and forest products companies are
implementing reforestation programs in the U S .
and abroad to remove millions of tons of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere.
Oil companies are working on projects around
world that are improving efficiency and
production, providing better energy options
for developed and developing countries.

Government/lndustry Voluntary Partner Programs
Climate Wise
Rebuild America
Green Lights
Energy Star
Natural Gas Star
Vision 21
Industries of the Future
Clean Energy
Clean Coal Technology
Partnership for Advanced
Technology in Housing (PATH)
Partnership for a New
Generation of Vehicles (PNGV)
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Advantages of Voluntary Programs vs.
Mandates
Voluntary action is the best policy approach
given what we know - and don't know - about
potential human impacts on the climate.
Implementing the increased regulatory controls
called for by the Kyoto Protocol would be
costly and would not produce the desired
environmental benefit.
Experience shows that voluntary programs
provide important benefits to industry
participants, including:
Access to leading-edge information
Greater return on economic investments
Increased public awareness and recognition
Government, society and the environment
also benefit from voluntary programs.

Voluntary Programs:
Are flexible policy instruments to achieve
environmental objectives in a manner
which best suits the economic circumstances of companies
Encourage industry-led initiatives to
address environmental objectives
Encourage co-operation between industry
and government
Achieve energy and environmental
objectives faster than regulations